Terms Used In Indiana Code > Title 34 > Article 9 - Parties

• Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
• Attorney: includes a counselor or other person authorized to appear and represent a party in an action or special proceeding. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
• Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
• Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
• Docket: A log containing brief entries of court proceedings.
• Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
• minor: means a person less than eighteen (18) years of age. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
• program: refers to the residential housing infrastructure assistance program established by section 8 of this chapter. See Indiana Code 5-1.2-15.5-5
• Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
• Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.