Terms Used In Delaware Code > Title 10 > Chapter 71 - Criminal Nuisance Abatement

• adult person: means a person of the age of 18 years or older. See Delaware Code Title 1 Sec. 302
• Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
• Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
• Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
• Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
• Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
• Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
• Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
• Court: means the Superior Court of the State of Delaware. See Delaware Code Title 10 Sec. 7103
• Criminal gangs: means any criminal street gangs or youth gangs as defined in §§ 616-617 of Title 11. See Delaware Code Title 10 Sec. 7103
• Criminal nuisance: means any real property at which:

  a. See Delaware Code Title 10 Sec. 7103

• Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
• Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. ^Source:
• Executive authority: includes the governor and any person performing the functions of governor in a state other than this State. See Delaware Code Title 11 Sec. 2501
• Extradition: The formal process of delivering an accused or convicted person from authorities in one state to authorities in another state.
• Governor: includes any person performing the functions of Governor by authority of the law of this State. See Delaware Code Title 11 Sec. 2501
• Grand jury: agreement providing that a lender will delay exercising its rights (in the case of a mortgage,
• 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.
• Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.
• Owner: means any person in whom is vested the ownership and title of property, and who is the owner of record. See Delaware Code Title 10 Sec. 7103
• Person: means a human being who has been born and is alive, and, where appropriate, a public or private corporation, a trust, a firm, a joint stock company, a union, an unincorporated association, a partnership, a government or a governmental instrumentality. See Delaware Code Title 10 Sec. 7103
• Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
• Preliminary hearing: A hearing where the judge decides whether there is enough evidence to make the defendant have a trial.
• premises: includes any building, structure, erection, or any separate part or portion thereof, whether used as a residence, for commercial purposes or a house of worship, or the ground itself. See Delaware Code Title 10 Sec. 7103
• Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
• Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
• Reporter: Makes a record of court proceedings and prepares a transcript, and also publishes the court's opinions or decisions (in the courts of appeals).
• Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.
• Service of process: The service of writs or summonses to the appropriate party.
• Testify: Answer questions in court.
• Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.