Civil Cases
Criminal Cases
Juvenile Cases
Miscellaneous
Terms
100
This term describes the person or party "bringing" a lawsuit in a civil case; the person who sues someone else.
Plaintiff.
100
What term describes LESS serious crimes, and what term describes MORE serious crimes?
Less serious crimes are misdemeanors, more serious crimes are felonies.
100
A person under the age of 18 who commits a crime that would not be illegal for an adult is considered a what?
unruly child
100
What kind of jury vote is need to find a defendant "guilty" or "not guilty" in a criminal court of law?
A unanimous vote; all juries must agree beyond a reasonable doubt.
100
What term describes a witness answering questions asked by the opposing sides lawyer during a trial?
Cross-examination.
200
What are the 2 types of remedies?
Damages and equitable remedies
200
In criminal cases, who always acts as the prosecutor, bringing charges against the accused criminal?
The government; usually the state government for violations of state law. Or the District Attorney
200
What can the juvenile court system do in the case of child neglect?
Juvenile courts can place the young person in foster care or another safe environment. Also called a ward of the state.
200
What is the purpose of bail?
Money left with the court to ensure the defendant will return for their trial.
200
What term describes the person or party accused of wrong-doing in both civil and criminal courts.
Defendant.
300
What term describes the process of settling a civil case out of court by using alternative methods to reach decision?
ADR, alternative dispute resolution
300
In Colorado what are 3 penalties that a person found guilty can be sentenced?
Fines, probation, imprisonment, death penalty
300
Can someone under the age of 18 be tried as an adult in a criminal court? If so, who makes the decision whether or not to try a juvenile as an adult, and what do they consider when making that decision?
Yes; In Colorado it is either the DA or juvenile judge who makes the decision whether or not to try a juvenile as an adult, and they base their decision on age, severity of the crime, and the remorse shown by the juvenile defendant.
300
How many people typically serve on juries in civil cases, and how may must serve on juries in criminal cases?
Juries are typically made up of 6-12 people in civil cases, and MUST include 12 people in criminal cases.
300
What term describes settling a criminal case prior to a trial in order to avoid costly court proceedings and to assure the suspect serves time for the crime they committed.
Plea bargaining.
400
Whose attorney is allowed to give the last closing argument?
Defendant's attorney
400
What is an indictment and who issues it?
Written accusation charging an individual with a crime and requiring them to attend court. Grand Jury
400
What type of jurisdiction do juvenile courts have?
limited jurisdiction
400
Name at least three things that typically happen at an arraignment hearing.
The charges against a suspected criminal are officially read into the record; the defendant enters a plea; bail is set; a court date is set.
400
What term describes a verdict of "not guilty" in a criminal court? What term describes a verdict of "guilty"?
Acquittal = "not guilty"; Conviction = "guilty".
500
What happens in a civil court if the plaintiff wins, and what happens in a civil court if the defendant wins?
If the plaintiff wins, the defendant must pay a damages that compensates them for their loss or provide equitable remedy (what is right or fair). If the defendant wins, the plaintiff must pay the court costs of the defendant in some states.
500
For police to search a person or their car , the police must have a warrant or what?
probable cause
500
True or false: Minors tried in juvenile court can choose to have a jury of their peers?
False. Juvenile court does not allow juries.
500
What is "parole", what factors does a parole board consider when granting it, and why are some people opposed to it?
Parole is early release from a prison sentence; Parole boards consider behavior while in prison, severity of the crime, victim impacts, likelihood of committing another crime, and other factors; Some are opposed to parole because it allows prisoners out of prison before their entire sentence has been served.
500
What term describes a jury that is unable to find a defendant "guilty" or "not guilty" in a criminal court, and what options does the prosecution have once this occurs?
A "hung jury"'; if a hung jury occurs the prosecution can drop the charges against the defendant and release them, or gather more evidence and re-try the defendant.
M
e
n
u