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Ancillary Hearing Any hearing other than the trial. Sometimes called a preliminary hearing.

Bailiff The person responsible for maintaining decorum in the Court.

Bench The place where the Judge sits during the trial.

Bench Trial A trial where the judge determines all fact issues and there is no jury.

Chambers The Judge office.

Case in Chief The testimony and evidence offered by one side in support of that side positions.

Clerk One of the persons who handles the paperwork of the Court.

Closing Statements Final statements by each attorney at the end of the trial when they argue to the Court the evidence and law.

Court Often used interchangeably with Judge.

Court Reporter The person who records the testimony and court proceedings.

Cross-Examination Questions asked of witnesses called by the opposing attorney.

Decree of Divorce The final order which is signed by the judge disposing of all issues. Sometimes called the Final Judgement.

Direct Examination Questions asked of witnesses called by that attorney.

Final Judgment The final order which is signed by the judge disposing of all issues. Sometimes called the Final Decree of Divorce.

Invoking the Rule The process of requiring all witnesses after than parties, to leave the courtroom and not discuss their testimony with anyone but the attorneys involved.

Jury Box The place where the jurors sit during the trial.

Non-Responsive When referring to the answer to a question, the answer goes beyond the question and the witness has volunteered information.

Objection Notice to the judge by one attorney that the proceedings are objectionable for some reason and the attorney wants to bring it to the attention of the judge and request a ruling.

Overruledmeans the judge disagrees with the objecting attorney.

Sustained means that the judge agrees with the objecting.

Opening Statement A brief statement by an attorney of his client position on the issues and applicable law, generally at the beginning of the trial.

Order A ruling by the Court.

Petitioner The party who initially brings or files the divorce or an action. Opposite party to the Respondent.

Preliminary HearingAny hearing other than the trial. Sometimes called an ancillary hearing.

Rebuttal Testimony which rebuts or refutes prior testimony.

Recess A period of time when court is not in session.

Rendition The pronouncement of the court final ruling, which may be oral or written.

RespondentThe against whom the divorce is initially filed. Opposite party to the Petitioner.

Stipulations Agreements made between the parties and/or their attorneys which are binding.

Subpoena A document served on a witness ordering that person to appear at a certain time and place to testify and/or designated documents.

Swearing In Taking the witness oath to tell the truth.

Trial The final hearing which decides all issues of the case.

Under Advisement A period of time after the trial when the Judge considers the testimony, evidence and his notes and makes his final decision about the issues.

Witness Stand The place from which the witness testifies.