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Bail bondsman
A person who posts bail in exchange for a fee, usually 10 percent of the total bail.
In camera
In a judge's chambers; in private.
Condemnation
The legal process by which real estate of a private owner is taken for public use without the owner's consent, but theownerreceives "just compensation.
Complainant
Synonymous with "plaintiff," or, in criminal cases, the complaining witness.
Conviction
In a criminal case, a finding that the defendant is guilty.
Answer
A pleading by which defendant responds to the plaintiff's complaint
Fitness hearing
A hearing held in Juvenile Court to determine the fitness of a minor for retention in Juvenile Court, and the minor's amenability to Juvenile Court resources. Must be held before any evidence is heard on a petition for detention. Such a hearing is a prerequisite to transfer of a minor's case to adult court. Also called certification hearing
Competency
A witness's ability to observe, recall and recount under oath what happened. Criminal defendants must also be competent to stand trial; they must understand the nature of the proceedings and have the ability to assist their lawyers.
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