Glossary of Criminal Defense Terms

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Habeas corpus: Usually the last legal effort by a prisoner after all appeals are exhausted to challenge the authority of the prison or jail warden to continue to hold him. The prisoner is given a chance to argue his case on the grounds of illegal confinement if the judge grants the "writ of habeas corpus."

Homicide: the crime of murder; killing of another human being.

Hearsay: Statements by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. Hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence in court.