Challenge for causeA request from a party to a judge that a prospective juror not be allowed to be a member of a jury because of specified causes or reasons.
Closing argumentThe closing statement, by counsel or a pro se litigant, to the trier of facts after all parties have concluded their presentation of evidence at trial.
Community defender organizationA nonprofit defense counsel service organized by a group of attorneys in private practice authorized by the U.S.
ComplaintA written communication primarily expressing a grievance against an insurance company or agent.
Controlled SubstanceA narcotic or non-narcotic drug listed in one of the five schedules of controlled substances in Title 21 of the U.S. Code.
CountAn indictment may contain allegations that the defendant has committed more than one crime. Each allegation must be listed separately.
courtGovernment entity authorized to resolve legal disputes. Judges sometimes use "court" to refer to themselves in the third person, as in "the court has read…
Criminal docketThe total number of criminal cases in a district court at any given time.
Criminal history categoryThe sentencing guidelines call for consideration of the defendant's criminal history at sentencing and assign numbers, or points, to relevant prior…
Criminal Investigation Division (CID)This division of the Internal Revenue Service, part of the Treasury Department, investigates alleged violations of the tax laws.
Criminal Justice Act (CJA)A federal statute designed to implement the Sixth Amendment right to counsel by providing court-appointed attorneys to represent defendants who cannot…
Criminal recordA copy of the defendant's prior criminal record, if any, must be given by the government to the defense upon request during discovery.
Cross-examinationThe questioning of a witness produced by the other side.