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satisfaction
Discharge of a legal obligation, as in a "Satisfaction of Judgment."

seal
to close a case file from public scrutiny - in instances of youthful offenders and acquittal, sealing orders are issued by the court to prevent the public from obtaining information on the cases

security for costs
An undertaking required by a court to cover the payment of costs if the judgment is against the depositor.

separation
in matrimonial law, a cessation of cohabitation of husband and wife by mutual agreement, or in the case of "judicial separation," under the decree of a court

sequester
to separate, set apart, hold aside for safekeeping or awaiting some determination; jurors are sequestered when not permitted to return home until the case is closed

service
the exhibition or delivery of a writ, notice, etc., officially notifying a person of some action or proceeding in which that person is concerned

short form order
an order prepared by the court

show cause
an order, decree, execution, etc., to appear as directed, and present to the court such reasons and considerations as one has to offer why it should not be confirmed, take effect, be executed, or as the case may be

sine die
Without a date, as in an action being adjourned sine die. Legal process which commands a witness to appear and testify.

small claims assessment review (SCAR)
filing by any person aggrieved by an assessment of a one, two or three family, owner occupied residential structure used for residential purposes (including condominiums) (NYS)

special master
a special master is an attorney appointed on an ad hoc basis to assist the court in hearing motions (NYS)

special proceedings
general term for remedies or proceedings which are not ordinary actions, e.g., condemnation

special referee (or referee)
the special referee has the authority to exercise judicial functions when assigned duties by the court to determine the following (1) to determine an issue (binding) (2) to perform an act (disclosure) (3) to hear and report - matrimonial actions may be i

special term
a court part set aside to hear specific types of cases

special verdict
a special finding of the facts of a case by a jury leaving to the court the application of the law to the facts thus found

statute of limitations
a statute that declares that no actions of a specified kind be commenced after a specified period of time after the cause of action arose

stay
a stopping or suspension of procedure or execution by judicial or executive order

stipulation
an agreement by attorneys on opposite sides of a case as to any matter pertaining to the proceedings or trial - most stipulations must be in writing

stpulation of settlement
A formal agreement between litigants and/or their attorneys resolving their dispute.

sua sponte
upon its own motion, initiation or will; without a prior request

subpoena
Legal process which commands a witness to appear and testify.

subpoena (judicial)
an order issued by the court to a person to attend court and give testimony

subpoena duces tecum
a subpoena requiring a person to produce specified documents or records in a trial

subpoena duces tecum (judicial)
an order issued by the court requiring a person to produce specified documents or records in a trial

subsequent proceedings
Any proceeding or action taken with respect to a specific case after it has been filed with the court.

suit
A legal action or proceeding.

sum certain
Liquidated damages pursuant to contract, promissory note, law, etc.

summary judgment
a determination in an action on the grounds that there is no genuine issue of fact

summons
A form used to commence a civil action and acquire jurisdiction over a party

supplementary proceedings
further inquiry, under court jurisdiction, after entry of judgment, to determine means for enforcing the judgment against judgment debtor

surety
One who is legally liable for the debt, default, or failure to carry out a duty of another.