Terms Used In Louisiana Codes > Code of Civil Procedure > BOOK VII > Title II > Chapter 4 - Notice of Pendency of Action

• Clerk of court: An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
• 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.
• Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
• Mortgage: The written agreement pledging property to a creditor as collateral for a loan.
• Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.