Words You Need to Know

Glossary of Terms

Because your path to freedom involves legal processes, you will hear a lot of new words, as well as familiar words being used in new ways.

Use this list to help you understand some of the key terms that will be used during the process.

Remember to ask questions. Whenever there are terms or parts of the process you don’t understand, ask someone to explain it to you.

Impound

To seize and take into custody of the law or of a court.

Indian tribe

The term ''Indian tribe'' means any Indian tribe, band, nation, pueblo, or other organized group or community which administers justice or plans to administer justice under its inherent authority or the authority of the United States and which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indian tribes because of their status as Indians.

Indictment

A written accusation by a grand jury charging an individual with a crime, generally a felony.

Injunction

A court order prohibiting someone from doing some specified act or commanding someone to undo some wrong or injury.