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sanction: a penalty or punishment provided as a means of enforcing obedience to a law or the judicial process.

satisfaction or “satisfaction of judgment”: discharge of a legal obligation.

seal: to close a case file from public scrutiny.

service: the delivery of a writ or notice officially notifying a person of some action or proceeding in which that person is concerned.

settlement: when all parties to an action agree to drop the lawsuit in favor of an agreement, made out of court, prior to a verdict at trial.

short form order: an order prepared by the court.

shoulder separation: an acromioclavicular separation is a common injury to the joint located at the distal end of the clavicle, known as the acromial end, and which attaches to the acromion of the scapula.

show cause: an order to appear and present to the court such reasons and considerations as one has to offer why a matter should not be confirmed, take effect, be executed, or as the case may be.

simple analgesic: common pain relieving drugs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.

slip and fall injury: an injury resulting from an a slip, trip or fall, caused by the negligent maintenance of the surface upon which the fall occurred.

slipped disc: a rupture of the fibrocartilage of the disc between the spinal vertebrae.

soft tissue injury: damage to the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the body. Some examples are sprains, strains and contusions.

special proceedings: a general term for remedies or proceedings which are not ordinary actions, for example, condemnation proceedings.

spinal: relating to the spine or vertebral column.

statute of limitations: the time period within which a plaintiff must file their cause of action under state law. If the statute of limitations passes, the plaintiff loses the right to file the lawsuit.

stay: a stopping or suspension of procedure or execution.

stipulation: an agreement by attorneys on both sides of a case to any matter pertaining to the proceedings or trial.

stipulation of settlement: a formal agreement between the litigants resolving their dispute.

strict liability: the liability of manufacturers for the safety of the goods and products they produce or manufacture.

subpoena: the legal process which commands a witness to appear and testify.

subpoena duces tecum: a subpoena which requires a person to produce specific documents or records in a trial.

subsequent proceedings: any proceeding or action taken with respect to a specific case after it has been filed with the court.

suit: a legal action or proceeding.

summary judgment: a determination made by the court when it decides that there is no genuine issue of fact.

summons: a form used to acquire jurisdiction over a party.

supplementary proceedings: after the entry of judgment, a further inquiry to determine the means for enforcing the judgment against a judgment debtor.

surety: one who is legally liable for the debt or performance of another.