To find a defendant not guilty in a criminal trial.

A judgment or decision of a court or jury regarding a case.

A voluntary acknowledgement of some fact(s) needed, along with proof of other facts, to establish guilt, but short of a confession of guilt, because not acknowledging all facts or elements of a charge (compare "confession").

A written or printed declaration or statement under oath.

The ruling of an appellate court that the judgment of a lower court is correct and should stand.

An assertion, declaration or positive statement by a party to an action made in a pleading which states what he or she expects to prove.

The defendant's written response to allegations in the case.

Review of a case by a higher court.

A coming into the court in person or by filing a paper, as plaintiff, defendant, or legal representative.

Party appealing a decision or judgment to a higher court.

A court having jurisdiction to review the judgment or order of a lower court.

A party against whom an appeal is taken.

The hearing and settlement of a dispute between opposing parties by a third party whose decision the parties have agreed to accept.

A court hearing in a criminal case where a defendant is advised of the charges and asked to plead guilty or not guilty (most arraignments in WV are held in magistrate court).

An attorney who represents a party and has entered an appearance in an action (see "counsel").

An agreement by a third party to pay a certain sum of money if the defendant fails to appear in court.

A court official who maintains courtroom order and jury custody.

An unlawful application of physical force to, or offensive touching of, another without his or her consent.

A meeting either on or off the record at the judge's bench between the judge, counsel and sometimes the defendant, out of the hearing of the jury.

Trial held before a judge sitting without a jury; jury waived trial.