Terms Used In Louisiana Revised Statutes > Title 17 > Chapter 26 > Part XIII - Homeless and Foster Youth

• Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
• Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
• Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
• Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
• Deposition: An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial.
• Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. ^Source:
• Foster youth: means any individual in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services in the foster care program for any six of the seventy-two months immediately prior to his eighteenth birthday. See Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:3399.21
• Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
• Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.