Vocabulary 1
Law based on court decisions rather than a legal code.
Common Law
Open Primary
voters may vote for candidates of either major party ( does not have to be a candidate from the political party they are part of ie. Democrat can vote for a Liberal/Conservative, or Republican candidate).
what a group of electors is called
Electoral College
Speaker of the House
Leading member of the HOR (House of Representatives), runs the meetings. Directs which Bills will be discussed.
Arson, homicide (murder), DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
Precedent
A previous court’s decision
only voters who are registered in a particular party can vote.
Closed Primary
Electors
people chosen from each state who formally selects the President and VP
Hate Crimes
violent crimes committed because of prejudice
misdemeanor
minor traffic infractions (speeding ticket over 10 miles), DUI (first offense), Larceny (under $500)
evidence evaluated and charges dropped or trial/ bail are set.
Preliminary Hearing
1760 BC the King of Babylonia created a set of laws to regulate everyday behavior ( an eye for an eye etc.) Favored the upper-class.
Code of Hammurabi
Bicameral
two houses, Congress is made up of two parts- Senate and House of Representatives
Organized Crime
a crime syndicate of career criminals (professional) provides illegal goofs and services; uses violence as a tool.
Victimless Crimes
Gambling, selling of illegal substances (street corner pharmacists)
Arraignment
suspect makes a plea before the judge.
Secret Ballot
paper ballot that the voter marks their choice in private-adopted to ensure fairness and honesty.
Legislature
law making part of the government
Misdemeanor
a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and generally punishable by a fine, jail time of up to a year.
White Collar Crime
Embezzlement (stealing from one's job financially), fraud (writing fake checks etc)
Judge decides the punishment, some states have mandatory sentences for certain crimes. (ex. In FL if caught driving without a license you are automatically arrested)
Sentencing
statement of the party’s view and policies on important issues-and select a candidate at national conventions.
Platform
Census
official count of the people within each state, used to determine how many Representatives each state has done every 10 years
Felony
a crime, typically involving violence regarded as more serious than a misdemeanor.
TV Show dealings with the Legal System
Law and Order: Special Victims unit, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, NCIS (Navy Criminal Investigation Service), On Patrol Live, Cops