Constitutional Foundation
The branch of government that creates laws
Legislative
The tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend.
Recidivism
A type of custodial sentence that consists of a range of years (such as 5 to 10 years) and not a fixed time.
Indeterminate
A legal process that results in the removal of a conviction from official records.
Expungement
The first court to hear a criminal or civil case.
Trial Court
The branch of government that decides if laws are carried out fairly and consistent with the constution
Judicial
Programs of rehabilitation that removes offenders from the normal channels of the criminal justice process, thus enabling them to avoid the stigma of a criminal label
Diversion Programs
A defendant in a criminal case who is released from custody, not by posting bond, but on their simple promise to appear in court as required
The seizure of personal property by the state as a civil or criminal penalty.
Forfeiture
A court having jurisdiction to review cases an issues that were originally tried in a lower court.
Appellate
The branch of government that enforces laws
Executive
To grant a prisoner an early release from prison, with certain restrictions.
Parole
A prison sentence with a fixed, predetermined length of time, meaning the offender will serve a specific number of years in prison without the possibility of parole or early release based on good behavior.
Determinate Sentencing
To overcome to get under control
Subdue
Determination of what, if any, factual issues are to be decided by trial
Pre-Trial proceedings
The power of the courts to examine the actions of the legislative and executive branches of government and determine whether they are in accordance with the Constitution.
Judicial Review
A framework that suggests punishment should aim to reform offenders and reduce their likelihood of re-offending, rather than simply inflicting retribution or incapacitating them
Rehabilitation
Multiple sentences for separate offenses are served simultaneously, reducing the overall time spent in prison.
Concurrent
A person responsible for a crime or misdeed
A document by which a party asks the judge to make a decision or take some action before the trial begins
Pre-trial motions
The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, ratified in 1791 and guaranteeing such rights as the freedoms of speech, assembly, and worship.
The Bill of Rights
The idea that punishment is justified because wrongdoers deserve to suffer for the harm they have caused.
Sentences for multiple offenses are served one after the other, resulting in a longer total time in prison.
Consecutive
To leave hurriedly to avoid arrest
Abscond
A notice directing someone to appear in court to answer a complaint or a charge
Summons