Uphold - The appellate court agrees with the lower court decision and allows it to stand. See affirmed.⏎
Sequester - To separate. Sometimes juries are sequestered from outside influences during their deliberations.⏎
Sua sponte - Latin, meaning "of its own will." Often refers to a court taking an action in a case without being asked to do so by either side.⏎
Tort - A civil, not criminal, wrong. A negligent or intentional injury against a person or property, with the exception of breach of contract.⏎
Testimony - Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.⏎