Glossary.

• Position: Glossary

Additional terms may be found at the http://thelawdictionary.org/

1983 ACTION ([section] 1983, SECTION 1983). A federal law that made relief, including money damages, available to those whose constitutional rights had been violated by an actor acting under State authority.

AFFIRM. An act by one court to agree with and confirm a lower court's decision. A judgment or decree that is not affirmed is either remanded (sent back to the lower court) or reversed.

APPEAL. Apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court.

DELIBERATE INDIFFERENCE. The prevailing standard for establishing a variety of civil rights claims in the jail or prison context. The term first applied to inadequate medical care, but courts have applied the standard in other areas as well...