Terms Used In Texas Local Government Code Chapter 132 - Payment of Fees and Other Costs by Credit Card or Electronic Means in Municipalities and Counties

• Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
• 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:
• in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
• Interest rate: The amount paid by a borrower to a lender in exchange for the use of the lender's money for a certain period of time. Interest is paid on loans or on debt instruments, such as notes or bonds, either at regular intervals or as part of a lump sum payment when the issue matures. ^{Source: OCC}
• 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.
• Municipality: means a general-law municipality, home-rule municipality, or special-law municipality. See Texas Local Government Code 1.005
• Oath: A promise to tell the truth.
• Oath: includes affirmation. See Texas Government Code 311.005
• Service of process: The service of writs or summonses to the appropriate party.
• Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
• Written: includes any representation of words, letters, symbols, or figures. See Texas Government Code 311.005