Bankruptcy petition - A formal request for the protection of the federal bankruptcy laws. (There is an official form for bankruptcy petitions.)⏎
Bankruptcy administrator - An officer of the Judiciary serving in the judicial districts of Alabama and North Carolina who, like the United States trustee, is responsible for supervising the administration of bankruptcy cases, estates, and trustees; monitoring plans and disclosure statements; monitoring creditors' committees; monitoring fee applications; and performing other statutory duties.⏎
Active judge - A judge in the full-time service of the court. Compare to senior judge.⏎
Amicus curiae - Latin for "friend of the court." It is advice formally offered to the court in a brief filed by an entity interested in, but not a party to, the case.⏎
Bail - The release, prior to trial, of a person accused of a crime, under specified conditions designed to assure that person's appearance in court when required. Also can refer to the amount of bond money posted as a financial condition of pretrial release.⏎