Constitution - ANSA document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and
the fundamental laws that govern a society.
Texas City Municipal Court - ANSCourt of law with jurisdiction limited to a city. Deal with
violations of city ordinances.
Engagement Agreement (engagement letter) - ANSA written agreement that describes the
business relationship to be entered into by a client and a company. The letter details the scope
of the agreement, its terms, and costs.
State Constitutions - ANSEach of the 50 states has their own Constitution that sets forth the
principles and framework for their government. Usually more detailed than the national
Constitution.
Texas Justice of the Peace Courts - ANSLocal trial courts with limited jurisdiction over small
claims and very minor criminal misdemeanors. Deal with trials under $10,001, evictions, and
Statements of Financial Responsibility (SFR), and suspension of licenses.
Retainer fee - ANSA small fee paid by the client upon creation of a buyer agency relationship as
an advance partial compensation for services; it may be non-refundable or applied to final
compensation due depending on the agency agreement.
Administrative Agency - ANSA federal, state, or local government unit established to perform a
specific function. Created and authorized by legislative bodies to administer and enforce specific
laws.
Texas County Courts at Law - ANSCourt with jurisdiction of civil cases below $100,001 and
above $10,000. Jurisdiction is limited to specific locations.
Hourly rate billing - ANSA price based on the total number of hours worked at a specified per
hour charge. Term used for lawyers who are paid by the hour.
Common Law - ANSA law established by following earlier judicial decisions. Also known as
judge-made laws or case law.
Texas Civil District Courts - ANSCourt which deals with civil cases above $100,000. Court
jurisdiction is limited to a district. These districts are made based on population.
, Contingency Fee Agreement - ANSLawyers may agree to represent their clients under an
arrangement whereby the client (other than filing fees and certain court costs) does not pay the
lawyer for his or her services unless the client's dispute is settled or the client is awarded
monetary damages following the completion of a lawsuit. Frequently a contingency fee
agreement requires that the lawyer receive a percentage (e.g., 33%) of the money the client
receives through a settlement or through the receipt of monetary damages.
Civil Law - ANSThe system of law concerned with private relations between members of a
community rather than criminal, military, or religious affairs. Often has to do with money
disputes.
Criminal District Court - ANSCourts that hear serious felonies such as murder.
Pleading Stage - ANSFormal statements made to the court by the parties
Criminal Law - ANSA law that defines crimes against the public order.
Texas Appeals Courts - ANSA court in which appeals from trial-court decisions are heard.
Pleadings - ANSStatements by the plaintiff and the defendant that detail the facts, charges, and
defenses of a case.
Complaint - ANSFormal legal document that sets out the facts and legal reasons that the filing
party or parties believes are sufficient to support a claim against the party or parties against
whom the claim is brought.
Texas Supreme Court - ANSThe highest civil court in Texas; consists of nine justices and has
final state appellate authority over civil cases.
Misdemeanor - ANSA crime or offense that is less serious than a felony.
Filing Lawsuit with Clerk - ANSThe official submission of a lawsuit with the courts.
Felony - ANSA crime regarded as more serious than a misdemeanor, and usually punishable by
imprisonment for more than one year.
Probate Court - ANSAdministers wills and estates upon an individual's death.
Standard of proof in a civil case - ANSPreponderance of the evidence (more than 50%)
Family Court - ANSState court that hears cases involving divorce, annulment, separate
maintenance, family support, paternity, child custody, visitation, and domestic violence.
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