Law Lexicon
Mandamus - A writ by which a court commands the performance of a particular act.
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Manslaughter - The unlawful killing of another without intent to kill; either voluntary (upon a sudden impulse); or involuntary (during the commission of an unlawful act not ordinarily expected to result in great bodily harm).
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Material evidence - Evidence which is relevant to the issues in a case.
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Mediation - A form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties bring their dispute to a neutral third party, who helps them agree on a settlement.
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Memorandum - An informal note or instrument embodying something the parties desire to have in written evidence.
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Memorialized - In writing.
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Merger - The absorption of one thing or right into another.
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Mens rea - Literally in Latin, "guilty mind." The intent required to commit the crime. It is a prerequisite to conviction for a crime involving a moral wrong, but it is not a prerequisite to conviction for an act that is a crime only because a statute designates it to be a crime, e.g., overtime parking.
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Minor - A person under the age of legal competence.
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Minute book - A book maintained by the courtroom deputy (bailiff), which contains minute entries of all hearings and trial conducted by the judge.
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Minutes - Memorandum of a transaction or proceeding.
Source: Jurist International.
