Superior Court

The name used in 16 states for the basic county trial court.

Superseding Cause

the same as in "intervening cause" or "supervening cause," which occurs after the initial act leading to an accident and substantially causes the accident.

Supplemental

referring to anything that is added to complete something.

Suppression Of Evidence

 1) A judge's determination not to allow evidence to be admitted in a criminal trial because it was illegal obtained. 2) the improper hiding of evidence by a prosecutor who is constitutionally required to reveal to the defense all evidence.

Supremacy Clause

found in article VI section 2 of the US Constitution, it is the premise for the federal government--and thus federal law--to act as the "supreme law of the land" and maintain power over the collective states 

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States which has the ultimate power to decide constitutional questions and other appeals.

Surety

A guarantor of payment or performance if another fails to pay or perform, such as a bonding company which posts a bond for a guardian, an administrator or a building contractor.

Surrender

1) To turn over possession of real property, either voluntarily or upon demand, by tenant to landlord. 2) to give oneself up to law enforcement officials.

Surrogate

A person acting on behalf of another or a substitute. 2) a judge in some states responsible only for probates, estates, and adoptions.

Survivor

a person who outlives another.