Stare Decisis
The doctrine that courts will follow principles of law laid down in previous cases. Similar to precedent.
Status Hearing
A review of a case’s progress before the judge.
Status Offenders
Youths charged with the status of being beyond the control of their legal guardian or are habitually disobedient, truant from school, or having committed other acts that would not be a crime if committed by an adult. They are not delinquents (in that they have committed no crime), but rather are persons in need of supervision, minors in need of supervision, or children in need of supervision, depending on the state in which they live. Status offenders are placed under the supervision of the juvenile court.
Statute of Limitations
The time within which a plaintiff must begin a lawsuit (in civil cases) or a prosecutor must bring charges (in criminal cases). There are different statutes of limitations at both the federal and state levels for different kinds of lawsuits or crimes.
Statutory Construction
Process by which a court seeks to interpret the meaning and scope of legislation.
Statutory Law
Law enacted by the legislative branch of government, as distinguished from case law or common law.
Stay
A court order halting a judicial proceeding.
Stipulation
An agreement by attorneys on both sides of a civil or criminal case about some aspect of the case, e.g., to extend the time to answer, to adjourn the trial date, or to admit certain facts at the trial.
Strike
Removal of evidence that has been improperly offered and will not be relied upon.
Sua Sponte
A Latin phrase which means “on one's own behalf.” Voluntary, without prompting or suggestion.