For your convenience we have provided this glossary of court related terms for reference. We understand that any court related matters can be stressful and confusing. St Louis County provides these terms as a way to help with your matter.
- Parole — Minnesota uses supervised release for most prison sentences. Confirm whether "parole" belongs, and consider adding "supervised release."
- Gross misdemeanor — The list gives "91 days to one year." Confirm the current maximum term, which may have changed in 2023 legislation.
- Jury — Gives jury sizes for felony, misdemeanor, and civil cases but not gross misdemeanors.
- Restitution — "Often used instead of a fine or imprisonment" conflicts with the Victim Services description (a court-ordered payment to the victim for losses). Align both pages.
- Public Defender — "Paid by the county, state, or federal government." Confirm how Minnesota public defenders are funded.
- Status offense — Described as "a class of crimes." Confirm the wording.
- Suspended sentence — Minnesota courts typically use "stay of execution." Consider adding it next to stay of adjudication and stay of imposition.
- Stay of adjudication — "No criminal conviction on the public record." Confirm that the case record itself is not still publicly visible.
- Grand jury — "Twenty-three citizens." Confirm the size.
- Homicide — "First-degree… involves premeditation" may oversimplify. Attorney to confirm.
- Beyond a reasonable doubt / Proof beyond a reasonable doubt — Duplicate entries; merge.
- Civil-only terms (decree, default, injunction, petitioner, respondent, settlement, unlawful detainer) — Decide whether the glossary is criminal-only. If kept, confirm "unlawful detainer" is still the current Minnesota term.