2.15.010 Definitions

(a) Statute of Limitations. A specified length of time after which no cause of action or right to sue exists. (e.g., If a lender of money fails to try to collect or fails to bring an action to collect before the statute of Limitations period expires, he has lost his right to collect the debt).

(b) Guardian ad litem. A guardian appointed by a Court to prosecute or defend for a minor or incompetent in any suit to which the minor or incompetent in any way may be a party.

(c) Minor. A person who is under the age of twenty-one (21) years.

(d) Incompetent. A person who is insane, an imbecile, or feebleminded, or is not mentally able to manage his own affairs.

(e) Summons. A notice in writing to a defendant informing him that an action has been brought against him and judgment will be taken against him if he fails to answer the complaint within the prescribed time set forth therein.

(f) Pleadings. Written allegations of what is affirmed on one side or denied on the other, disclosing to the Court and the contending parties the real matter in dispute between the parties.

(g) Judgment. The official and final decision of a Court upon the respective rights and claims of the parties to an action or suit therein litigated and submitted to its determination. It shall mean the same as the Court's decree.

(h) Parties. The persons who take part in the performance of any act, or who are directly interested in any affair, contract, or conveyance, or who are actively concerned in the prosecution and defense of any legal proceeding.

(i) Person. Includes natural persons, partnerships, associations and corporations.

(j) Police officer. Shall include all Tribal Police, Bureau of Indian Affairs Police and duly appointed deputy policemen.

(k) Gender. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter.

(l) Number. Words used in the singular number include the plural, and the plural the singular, except where a contrary intention plainly appears.

(m) Any designated documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects or tangible things which constitute, point to or contain evidence on any matter involved in the action.