People of
the Court
the Court
This person represents the defendant in court. Their job is to find the best possible verdict for the defendant.
Defense attorney/public defender
This is money paid as a punishment for breaking the law.
This is anything presented in court to help prove or disprove a fact.
Evidence
When the defendant admits to or takes responsibility for the charges
Bonus: Would there be a trial?
Guilty plea
Bonus: NO TRIAL
What is a bench trial?
No jury present. The judge will act as both the judge and the jury.
This person presides over the courtroom and makes sure rules are followed. They make the final decisions in legal disagreements and are a neutral party.
The judge
This sentence allows a person to stay in the community under supervision instead of going to jail.
Probation
This type of witness testifies about what they personally saw or heard.
Eye-witness
What happens after a plea of NOT guilty is entered?
You go to trial and a judge or jury would determine if you are guilty or not guilty.
How many jurors are present for a felony trial vs a misdemeanor trial?
12 jurors for a felony trial and 6 jurors for a misdemeanor trial
A group of people who listen to the evidence and decide the verdict in a trial.
The jury
This is a longer-term sentence typically served in a state facility for more serious crimes.
Prison
Weapons, fingerprints, documents, photographs, DNA are all examples of what?
Physical evidence
What are the four pleas?
BONUS: which pleas lead to trial?
Guilty, not guilty, no contest and not guilty by reason of insanity.
BONUS: Not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity lead to trial.
What is the burden of proof?
The prosecutor has to prove you are guilty by convincing a judge or jury of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lawyers who investigate, charge, and prosecute people whom they think have committed a crime.
Prosecutor/District attorney
Payment for damage or loss of property, or the return of items stolen or lost.
Restitution
This type of witness has special knowledge, skills, training and gives their opinions in court.
Expert witness
T/F When you enter a plea of no contest you are giving up your right to a trial and the judge will decide what happens.
True
Which amendment gives you the right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination?
The 5th Amendment.
This person makes a word for word record of everything that is said in court.
Court reporter
You have a trial and are found NOT GUILTY.
Acquittal
This rule prevents using evidence obtained in violation of a person's rights (evidence gathered illegally).
The exclusionary rule (the 4th Amendment).
Defendant, the prosecutor and the judge must all agree.
What is a hung jury?
When the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision and the case may have to be retried with a new jury.