Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes > Chapter 571 > Part II - Jurisdiction

• Adult: means a person eighteen years of age or older. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 571-2
• Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
• county: includes the city and county of Honolulu. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 1-22
• Court: means one of the family courts as herein established. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 571-2
• Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
• Detention: means the temporary care of children who require custody in physically secure facilities:

  (1) For their immediate welfare;

  (2) For the protection of the community;

  (3) While awaiting transfer to another jurisdiction; or

  (4) Because of violation of a family court order of probation or protective supervision. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 571-2

• Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
• 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.
• Judge: means judge of the family court. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 571-2
• Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
• minor: means a person less than eighteen years of age. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 571-2
• Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.