A charging document presented by a prosecuting attorney, instead of a grand jury, and filed in a circuit court.

The first appearance of a defendant before a judicial officer by reason of execution of a warrant or before the court, in person or by an attorney, in response to a summons.

Court orders prohibiting specific actions from being carried out.

A claim by a defendant that he or she lacks the soundness of mind required by law to accept responsibility for a criminal act.

Direction given by a judge to the jury regarding the law in a case.

Written questions which must be answered under oath.

Acting together and separately; anyone so liable can sue or be sued with or without others joining in the action.

An elected public official with authority to hear and decide cases in a court of law.

Final determination by a court.

Document that explains the sentence an offender receives from a trial court.

A court's recognition of the truth of basic facts without formal evidence.

The science of law.

People selected as prescribed by law to render a decision (verdict) in a trial. In a West Virginia criminal circuit court trial there are twelve jurors. In a civil circuit court trial there are six jurors.

A procedure by which a charge(s) against a minor is transferred from a juvenile to circuit court (compare "reverse waiver").

Rules and principles of conduct supported by the legislature, court decisions, or local customs.

A crime composed of some, but not all, of the elements of a greater crime; commission of the greater crime automatically includes commission of the lesser included offense.

Courts limited in the types of cases they may hear. For example, family courts are courts of limited jurisdiction.

Person or group engaged in a lawsuit.

A contest in court.

The intermediate court of appeals, circuit court, family court, or administrative agency from which an appeal is taken or an original jurisdiction proceeding is prosecuted.