Subpoena
A court order compelling a witness to appear and testify.
Subpoena Duces Tecum
A court order commanding a witness to bring certain documents or records to court.
Summary Judgment
A decision made on the basis of statements and evidence presented for the record without a trial. It is used when there is no dispute as to the facts of the case, and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
Summons
A notice to a defendant that he or she has been sued or charged with a crime and is required to appear in court. A jury summons requires the person receiving it to report for possible jury duty
Supervision
The period after a plea, or a finding of involvement in a crime, during which the respondent has been given probation and he or she must follow the conditions as outlined in the disposition order (Probation or Consent Degree).
Support Trust
A trust that instructs the trustee to spend only as much income and principal (the assets held in the trust) as needed for the beneficiary's support.
Suppress
To forbid the use of evidence at a trial because it is improper or was improperly obtained. See also exclusionary rule.
Surety Bond
A bond purchased at the expense of the estate to insure the executor’s proper performance.
Survivorship
Another name for joint tenancy.
Sustain
A court ruling upholding an objection or a motion.