Glossary Law
There are 14 names in this directory beginning with the letter J.
Joinder
The joining together of several lawsuits or several parties all in one lawsuit, provided that the legal issues and the factual situation are the same for all plaintiffs and defendants.
Joinder of issue
That point in a lawsuit when the defendant has challenged (denied) some or all of plaintiff’s allegations of facts, and/or when it is known which legal questions are in dispute.
Joint custody
In divorce actions, a decision by the court (often upon agreement of the parents) that the parents will share custody of a child.
Judge
An official with the authority and responsibility to preside in a court, try lawsuits and make legal rulings.
Judgment notwithstanding the verdict
Reversal of a jury’s verdict by the trial judge when the judge believes there was no factual basis for the verdict or it was contrary to law. The judge will then enter a different verdict as “a matter of law.”
Judicial notice
The authority of a judge to accept as facts certain matters which are of common knowledge from sources which guarantee accuracy or are a matter of official record, without the need for evidence establishing the fact.
Jump bail
To fail to appear for a court appearance after depositing (posting) bail with the intention of avoiding prosecution, sentencing or going to jail.
Jurisdiction
The authority given by law to a court to try cases and rule on legal matters within a particular geographic area and/or over certain types of legal cases.
Justice
1) Fairness. 2) Moral rightness. 3) A scheme or system of law in which every person receives his/ her/its due from the system, including all rights, both natural and legal.
