Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: bail to the sheriff
Parte non comparente: This is a fancy way of saying that someone didn't show up to court. In the past, if someone didn't show up to court in a civil case, the judge would automatically rule against them. But in a criminal case, if the accused didn't show up, they would be in trouble for not following the rules, but it didn't mean they were automatically guilty. If someone didn't show up to court, they could be called an outlaw, which means they were not protected by the law. Outlaw can also mean someone who breaks the law a lot or is on the run from the police.
Definition: Parte non comparente refers to a party who did not appear in court for a legal case. In civil cases, if a party fails to appear, the court may issue a default judgment against the defendant. However, in criminal cases, the accused's failure to appear does not automatically mean they are guilty. Instead, they may be cited for contempt and become an outlaw.
Examples: If someone is sued in a civil case and fails to show up to court, the judge may rule in favor of the other party by default. In a criminal case, if the accused fails to appear in court, they may be held in contempt and become an outlaw, meaning they are no longer protected by the law and can be arrested on sight.