Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: Status conference
Definition: A status conference is a meeting where lawyers from both sides of a case and sometimes a judge get together before a trial. They talk about things like evidence and settlement offers. In criminal cases, they might discuss plea bargains. In civil cases, they might talk about settling the case. The judge might give their opinion on things and set deadlines for other things that need to happen before the trial.
Status conference
Status conference is a meeting that happens before a trial where lawyers from both sides and sometimes a judge meet. The purpose of a status conference depends on the type of case. In a criminal case, the prosecution and defense lawyers exchange evidence and sometimes discuss plea bargains. In civil cases, status conferences can involve exchanging evidence, agreeing to certain terms, and starting negotiations on a settlement agreement. Sometimes a judge will attend a status conference to give their opinion on plea or settlement offers and set timelines for other pre-trial matters.
The examples illustrate how a status conference is a meeting where lawyers and sometimes a judge discuss the progress of a case before trial. In criminal cases, they may discuss evidence and plea bargains, while in civil cases, they may negotiate a settlement agreement. A judge may attend to provide guidance and set timelines for pre-trial matters.