Common law - The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States, which relies on the articulation of legal principles in a historical succession of judicial decisions. Common law principles can be changed by legislation.⏎
Defendant - In a civil case, the person or organization against whom the plaintiff brings suit; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.⏎
Discovery - Procedures used to obtain disclosure of evidence before trial.⏎
Complaint - A written statement that begins a civil lawsuit, in which the plaintiff details the claims against the defendant.⏎
Counsel - Legal advice; a term also used to refer to the lawyers in a case.⏎