Terms Used In New York Laws > Domestic Relations > Article 11-A - Special Provisions Relating to Divorce and Separation

• Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
• Commissioner: means the commissioner of the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services. See N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law 19.03
• Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
• Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
• Counterclaim: A claim that a defendant makes against a plaintiff.
• 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.
• Office: means the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services. See N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law 19.03
• Pleadings: Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.
• Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.