Procedures
Punishment for committing a crime; handed down by the judge
Sentence
Keeps order in the courtroom, makes sure rules are fairly interpreted, decides the verdict, and imposes sentence
Judge
Violation of the law, of a criminal statute
Crime
All rise. Court is now in session. The Honorable Frank Valdez presiding.
Courtroom Clerk
the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney
Miranda Rights
Statement made under oath in court regarding some aspect of a case
Testimony
Attorney who works for the government, who tries to prove that you are guilty, and who seeks the maximum penalty if you are found guilty
Prosecutor or Prosecuting attorney
Crime punishable by one year or more in prison
Felony
Objection! Leading the witness.
Attorney.
Who would speak next and what would they say?
1st 10 amendments to the Constitution
Bill of Rights
Question by the opposing attorney on the witness stand
Cross-examination
Person charged with (or accused of) a crime
Defendant
Anything that can be introduced in a court of law to prove a point or substantiate an argument
Evidence
Give three different examples of evidence
We find the defendant guilty of Murder in the 1st Degree.
Jury or Jury Foreman
defendant’s right not to answer questions that would make him look guilty
right to avoid self-incrimination, pleading the 5th, 5th Amendment
Agreement, or deal, made between the defendant/defense attorney and the prosecutor, in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge and a reduced sentence
Plea Bargain
Attorney who defends the defendant against the charges, who tries to get an acquittal (or not guilty verdict), and who seeks the minimum penalty if you are found guilty
Defense attorney, Public defender
Able to understand the proceedings against him and to assist in his own defense; know your charges and the court process, and work with your attorney
Competent
Have you had a chance to discuss this plea bargain with your attorney? Do you fully understand its terms? Are you under the influence of any substance that would interfere with your ability to make decisions or enter into this agreement?
Judge
What is the process during which a judge says these things?
prohibition against being tried twice for the same crime
Double jeopardy
Court appearance to determine if you understand your charges and the court process, and are able to work with your attorney to help with your defense
Competency Hearing
Three types of witnesses who testify in court about a case
Eyewitness: person who sees/hears the crime
Character: person who can speak about the defendant’s character, nature, or personality
Expert: person who has advanced knowledge about a topic relevant to the case, who can offer an opinion on the matter at hand
Plea in which defendant does not accept guilt or responsibility for the crime but acknowledges that there is enough evidence to convict him if he went to trial
No Contest
Name three other pleas:
In my professional opinion, I believe that Dr. Colwell is not yet competent to stand trial.
Expert Witness
two-word legal term for police officer’s reasonable suspicion that crime has been committed
Probable Cause