GA Constitution
The fundamental plan for operation for a government
Constitution
Refers to a 2 house legislature
Bicameral
A law that protects society by making certain actions illegal
Criminal Law
To take a case to a higher court of rehearing
Appeal
To change or make an addition to
Amend
A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives
Democracy
Bill
Legal steps that ensure fair treatment under the law
Due Process
To reject or refuse to signa bill
Veto
A group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group
Committee
A system in which the national and state government divide both powers and responsibilities over the same territory and the same people
Federalism
A plan for receiving and spending money
Budget
A serious crime such as murder or burglary punishable time in prison
Felony
A person accused of a crime or person being sued in civil action
Defendant
One who has a "right of action" against a wrong doer in a civil case.
Plaintiff
The division of powers among the 3 branches of government
Separation of Powers
An organization that has the power to make or enforce laws
Government
A formal accusation of a crime
Indictment
A group of citizens who examine a case record and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to charge a suspect with a crime
Grand Jury
A group of citizens chosen to hear evidence in a legal case and make a decision based on that evidence
Jury
A form of local government created for a particular purpose or a particular service area
Special Purpose District
A law that deals with the relationships between and among individuals
Civil Law
A less serious crime punishable by less than a year in prison, a fine, or both.
Misdemeanor
The authority of a court to decide a case
Jurisdiction
The system that gives each Branch of Government some ways to keep the other 2 branches from becoming too powerful
Checks and Balances