Courtroom Characters
This court official makes sure the Judge's rules are followed, can remove people from the court who are disruptive, and swears in the witnesses.
Bailiff
A citizen who serves on a jury, listens to testimonies from both sides, and makes the decision of whether or not the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
Juror
This plea means that you admit that you committed the crime you are charged with.
"I'm Guilty"
When you are court ordered to be supervised and meet certain conditions such as meeting with an officer, submitting to drug screens and maintaining employment
Probation
This means that you are able to understand your legal charges, think clearly about your case, consider all possible pleas and penalties, know how to work with your attorney, and conduct yourself appropriately in the courtroom.
Competency
This person types or records word for word what is said in court.
Courtroom Reporter/Stenographer
This is the person being charged with a crime in court.
Defendant
When you plead Guilty or No Contest in exchange for a lesser charge or reduced number of charges or a reduced sentencing recommendation.
Plea Bargain
An Amount of money one would pay the court as a result of their charges
Fine
You could be charged with this misdemeanor charge if you disrupt court by being loud, demanding or argumentative and you could be physically removed from the courtroom
Contempt of Court
An attorney who is hired by the state to work against the defendant.
Prosecutor
A person who provides testimony on what they saw or heard before, during, or after the crime.
Eye Witness
This plea means that you are telling the court that you did not commit the crime.
"I'm not Guilty"
This is time spent working assigned community jobs to work off your sentence.
Community Service
This means that you are knowingly telling a lie in court after having sworn to tell the truth.
Perjury
This is someone chosen by either the defense or prosecution, who comments on the defendant's character or what they are like as a person.
Hint: this person could be a family member, friend, teacher, coworker, etc.
Character Witness
This is an attorney who represents and works on behalf of the defendant.
Defense Attorney/Public Defender
This plea means that you admit that you did the crime, but that you were experiencing symptoms of a mental illness at the time the crime was committed which prevented you from understanding the wrongfulness of your actions.
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI)
A less serious crime punishable by fine and/or up to one year in jail
Misdemeanor
This is what it is called when you go to court and the judge informs you of what you are charged with.
Arraignment
This person oversees the courtroom, maintains order in the court, and has the final say as to whether the defendant is competent or not.
Judge
A person who testifies using special skills, knowledge, or expertise. Hint: this could be a doctor, psychologist, police officer, etc.
Expert Witness
This plea means that you are not disputing the evidence, but that you are not stating that you are guilty or not guilty. You simply want the case to be over with and don't want to fight the charges.
No Contest
A crime for which a person can be sent to a state or federal prison; typically punishable by more than one year in prison
Felony
What is it called when the defense attorney asks their own witness questions on the witness stand?
Direct Examination