Litigation - A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.⏎
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.⏎
Information - A formal accusation by a government attorney that the defendant committed a misdemeanor. See also indictment.⏎
Jury - The group of persons selected to hear the evidence in a trial and render a verdict on matters of fact. See also grand jury.⏎
Indictment - The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies. See also information.⏎