Archives: Glossary

A written statement of facts sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths.

A written statement of facts signed under penalty of perjury. In federal matters, 28 U.S.C. § 1746 allows an unsworn declaration in place of an affidavit in many situations.

A complaint whose allegations are sworn to or declared true under penalty of perjury.

The heading of a court document identifying the court, the parties, the case number and the document title.

The court’s official record of filings and events in a case.

The court officer who maintains records, accepts filings and performs duties assigned by the rules, such as entering defaults.

A person who must act in another’s best interest, such as a trustee or agent.

A legally sufficient reason. Many rules require a showing of good cause before the court will grant a request.

A standard courts use to decide whether to excuse a missed deadline or mistake, considering the circumstances.

A judgment entered without legal power to enter it. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(b)(4) lists a void judgment as a ground for relief.