Temporary restraining order (TRO)

A short-term court order forbidding certain actions and keeping the status quo in a case until a full hearing can be conducted.

Testimony

Evidence presented orally by witnesses in court proceedings.

Third Party

A person or entity other than the defendant or plaintiff that may be indirectly involved in a lawsuit.

Tolling

To temporarily stop the running of a statute of limitations.

Tort

A civil wrong that creates liability. A tort action asks for damages for injury or loss to person or property and differs from breach of contract.

Tortfeasor

Someone who commits a tort, which is a civil wrong, rather than a criminal act.

Transcript

The written record of what has been said on the record in a court case.

Trial

A formal court proceeding in which a judge or a jury decides disputed facts and determines guilt or liability based upon the evidence presented.

Trial Court

The place where a civil or criminal case begins, and parties present their issues.

The CNO Legal Glossary is part of an ongoing effort to educate the public about the courts and explain the legal system. The glossary is an evolving, interactive public resource. CNO encourages readers to send in their ideas for words and phrases to be considered for inclusion in the glossary. Submit your suggestions to CNO@sc.ohio.gov. The content of the CNO Legal Glossary does not represent the legal views of the court and is not considered or consulted by the justices in case deliberations.