Bailiff

Definition

A court officer who maintains order and security in the courtroom, announces the judge, and manages jury logistics. Basically the judge's enforcer.

Example Usage

The bailiff instructed the gallery to stand as the judge entered.

Origin

From Norman French 'bail,' meaning 'to deliver'; formalized in medieval English courts

Fun Fact

Bailiffs are trained to recognize when testimony is getting heated and position themselves strategically.

Source: Court personnel and civil procedure terminology

Related Terms

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Contract

A binding agreement between two or more parties. A piece of paper that supposedly prevents one party from lying, even though everyone knows both sides interpret it differently.

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Intermediate

allege

To make a formal claim or assertion, typically under oath, without having proven it yet—the legal equivalent of 'I'm pretty sure, but don't quote me.' Often used when someone wants to sound serious about an accusation.

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demurrer

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