Active judge - A judge in the full-time service of the court. Compare to senior judge.⏎
Answer - The formal written statement by a defendant in a civil case that responds to a complaint, articulating the grounds for defense.⏎
Appellant - The party who appeals a district court's decision, usually seeking reversal of that decision.⏎
Bankruptcy trustee - A private individual or corporation appointed in all Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases to represent the interests of the bankruptcy estate and the debtor's creditors.⏎
Bankruptcy petition - A formal request for the protection of the federal bankruptcy laws. (There is an official form for bankruptcy petitions.)⏎