Complaint - A written statement that begins a civil lawsuit, in which the plaintiff details the claims against the defendant.⏎
Deposition - An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial. See discovery.⏎
De facto - Latin, meaning "in fact" or "actually." Something that exists in fact but not as a matter of law.⏎
Docket - A log containing the complete history of each case in the form of brief chronological entries summarizing the court proceedings.⏎
Discovery - Procedures used to obtain disclosure of evidence before trial.⏎