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Today's Terms
Plea-bargaining
Definition:
A process whereby the prosecutor and defense attorney negotiate a mutually satisfactory disposition of the case. The court and the defendant must approve of any settlements. For example, a guilty plea may be exchanged for a lesser charge or a sentencing recommendation, or for dismissal of one or more of the charges in multi-count information, or for dismissal of another case.
prima facie
Definition:
Literally, "on its face." A fact presumed to be true unless disproved by some other evidence. In a criminal case, when the prosecution rests, the state's case is said to be prima facie, if the evidence so far introduced is sufficient to convict.
Termination of parental rights
Definition:
A judicial proceeding freeing a child from all custody and control by parents, so the child can be adopted by others.
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