Define It
Evidence
What is...
Materials (things) that are from the scene of the crime, like weapons, DNA, fingerprints, etc.
Testimony (reports in court) from people who witnessed the crime.
A conviction appears on the defendant's record.
The case does not go to trial.
The defendant admits to committing the crime.
What is...
Guilty Plea
T T A R N O E Y
What is...
Attorney
A person who records everything that is said during legal proceedings.
Also know as a stenographer.
Produces a transcript or written document of what was said in court.
What is...
Court Reporter
Not go to jail but do time in the community.
Stay at home but report to probation officer.
What is...
Probation
5th Amendment
What is...
Right to remain silent.
If the court accepts this plea, the defendant will spend time in a mental hospital rather than jail.
The defendant accepts responsibility for the crime, however, claims that at the time of the crime, the defendant was suffering from mental illness and unable to tell the difference between right and wrong because of their mental illness.
What is...
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
(NGRI)
S I N W E S T
What is...
Witness
A person with specialized knowledge, skills, education, or experience in a particular field.*
Called upon to provide their expertise in legal proceedings to assist the court with understanding complex technical or scientific issues.
What is...
Expert Witness
*BONUS*
Provide 3 examples of expert witnesses.
Laws to protect us and keep the law fair.
Right to have a trail, make an appeal.
Right to remain silent.
Right to an attorney.
What is...
Rights
Dismissal*
What is...
The court's decision to terminate a court case without imposing liability on the defendant. (dropping defendant's charges)
*BONUS*
What does without prejudice mean?
After the plea is entered, there will be a trial.
The defendant states that they did not commit the crime.
What is...
Not Guilty
N N C S T E E E
What is...
Sentence
A court security officer.
In charge of keeping order in the courtroom.
What is...
Bailiff
Decision by the jury (or judge) of guilty or innocent.
What the jury decides, if they think you are guilty or not.
What is...
Verdict
Perjury
What are the four pleas?*
What is...
Guilty, Not Guilty, Alford, NGRI
*BONUS*
Who does a defendant talk to about deciding which plea to enter?
G H A N R E I
What is...
Hearing
Does not have to answer any questions about the crime or testify in court unless they choose to do so.
The person charged with committing a crime.
What is...
Defendant
Where trial is held.
Where the judge and everybody meets to decide if the defendant is guilty or not.
What is...
Court
What is...
The defendant understands court proceedings and charges filed. The defendant is able to work with their attorney to help assist in their defense.
If accepted, there is no guilty plea on the defendant's record.
The defendant is not admitting to doiung the crime, but is also not fighting the charge.
What is...
Alford Plea
What is...
Testimony
*BONUS*
Define testimony.
A person who assists the court process by swearing in witnesses.
Keeps track of what happens in a case and maintains court records.
What is...
Court Clerk
Able to understand court procedures.
Understand about laws, trial, and how to help one's self in court.
Defendant knows their rights and how to help their attorney defend them.
What is...
Competent