Legal Definitions - court system

The court system refers to the network of courts within a particular jurisdiction. This includes all levels of courts, from local municipal courts to state and federal courts.

A court trial is a legal proceeding in which a judge or jury hears evidence and arguments presented by both sides in a case and makes a decision based on the facts presented. This is also known as a bench trial.

A court witness is someone who provides testimony or evidence in a court case. This can include eyewitnesses, expert witnesses, or character witnesses.

A cousin is a relative who is descended from a common ancestor. There are different types of cousins, including:

• First cousin: a child of one's aunt or uncle
• Second cousin: a person related to another by descending from the same great-grandparent
• Third cousin: a person related to another by descending from the same great-great-grandparent

For example, if your mother's sister has a child, that child is your first cousin. If your grandfather has a sibling whose grandchild you are related to, that person is your second cousin. Third cousins share a great-great-grandparent.