E

Evidence: information properly allowed which tends to make a thing contested either more or less probable. Google your state name and “Rules of Evidence” to find the rules of your state.

For much more on this, see our article: What Makes Something Evidence.

Ex Parte (contact): Contact with the judge without the other party being present. It is (normally) not allowed for either party, and judges are normally very sensitive to this. Ex parte contact is, of course, expected in cases where a default has occurred.

Examine: This really just means to ask questions of a witness.

Execute: Legalese for “do” or “make,” as in “execute a contract.” See also execute on the judgment.

Execute on the judgment: To begin collection proceedings like garnishment or attachment of bank accounts or other assets. This is where they seize your assets, and it can happen without warning after a judgment.