Magistrate judge - A judicial officer of a district court who conducts initial proceedings in criminal cases, decides criminal misdemeanor cases, conducts many pretrial civil and criminal matters on behalf of district judges, and decides civil cases with the consent of the parties.⏎
Information - A formal accusation by a government attorney that the defendant committed a misdemeanor. See also indictment.⏎
Interrogatories - A form of discovery consisting of written questions to be answered in writing and under oath.⏎
In forma pauperis - "In the manner of a pauper." Permission given by the court to a person to file a case without payment of the required court fees because the person cannot pay them.⏎
Mistrial - An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again with the selection of a new jury.⏎