Hostile witness

A hostile witness is a person called to testify as a witness by the party to whom that witness is opposed. The witness may make testimony that weakens the case of the side they are supposed to be supporting.

Sidebar

A sidebar is a courtroom conference between the lawyers and the judge and held away from the jury's hearing.

Cross-examination

Cross-examination is the examination of a witness by the party opposed to the one who put him on the witness stand to testify.

Direct examination

Direct examination is the initial questioning of a witness by the party who called the witness.

Verdict

The verdict is the jury's formal findings of fact or decision on the case.

Affiant

The affiant is the person who gives the sworn statement of fact in an affidavit.

Affidavit

An affidavit is a sworn statement of fact, done before someone who is authorized to take oaths.