1370 Terms
People in the Court Room I
Pleas
People of the Courtroom II
Stages of the Criminal Justice Process
100

The process whereby the accused, the public defender, the district attorney and the judge reach and agreement regarding the degree of the charges &/or the punishment.

What is a Plea Bargain.

100
The person accused of committing a crime.
Who is the Defendant.
100
By saying this you are telling the court "I didn't do it." The DA will have to prove that you committed the crime during a trial.
What is "Not Guilty."
100
This person presides over the court, interprets the law and makes sure that you receive a fair trial. They also decide the sentence.
Who is the judge.
100
Hearings conducted to determine a person's mental capacity. They may be held within the criminal contex to determine competency to stand trial, or to be sentenced, or to determine whether at the tiem of the offense the accused was legally sane.
What is the Competency Hearing.
200

A stated period of time where a convicted criminal offender is realeased into the community under the supervision of a type of officer in lieu of incarceration. The defendant must agree to specified standards of conduct such as: no drinking or drugs, no associating with known felons, no changing residences without permission and staying out of trouble.

What is Probation.

200
The lawyer who defends the person accused of committing a crime. They offer their own witnesses to present their client's version of the facts.
Who is the Public Defender ~or~ Defense Attorney.
200
By saying this you are telling the court "I did it." By doing this you give up the right to a trial and you accept the sentence that the judge gives you. You cannot change your mind once you enter this plea.
What is Guilty.
200
These are the 12 citizens randomly selected to observe the trial, listen to the arguments from both sides and decide the facts of the case. They also are responsible if the defendant is guilty or innocent. All 12 members must agree to a Guilty or Not Guilty verdict unanimously.
Who is the jury.
200
The stage of the criminal justice process in which the defendant is brought before the court to hear how long he/she will serve. The amount of time that the person is determined to have to serve is dependant on the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history and a host of other factors.
What is the Sentencing.
300
A pretend courtroom scenario which gives individuals a chance to practice what to do and say in preparation for a real courtroom situation. This includes evaluation of your knowledge of the various plea options, the roles of courtroom personnel, behavior in the courtroom and ability to cooperate with counsel.
What is Mock Trial.
300
The lawyer who prosecutes cases on behalf of the people of the State of California. By questioning witnesses they try to convince the judge and jusry that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Who is the District Attorney.
300
You are telling the court "I am not going to fight the case. Go ahead and sentence me." This plea has the same result as pleading guilty and you will be sentenced as guilty and cannot change your mind later.
What is No Contest.
300
People called to the stand to give testimony about what they saw or heard relating to the case. They have to swear to tell the truth.
Who is the witness.
300
A complaint to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court to detemine whether or not an error or injustice was committed by the lower court that should be corrected.
What is an Appeal.
400

An amount of money normally set by the judge at the initial appearance to ensure the return of the accused at subsequent hearings. If the accused is unable to provide this money, or otherwise unable to be released on his or her own recognizance, he or she is detained in custody.

What is Bail.

400
The person who writes down the judges orders, keeps all the records and evidence and swears in the witnesses.
Who is the Court Clerk.
400
You are saying to the court, "I did it, but I was mentally ill at the time." If you are found to meet this criteria you will be sent to a psychiatric hospital and your sentence could be anywhere from 6 months to indefinite.
What is Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity.
400
This is the deputy sheriff assigned to the courtroom for security purposes. They ensure the protection of everyone in the coutroom. They also are responsible for bringing criminal defendants into the courtroom and keeping juries isolated while they deliberate.
Who is the Bailiff.
400
The hearing by a judge to determine whether a person charged with a crime should be held for trial. A preliminary heraing is held to determine whether or not there is probable cause to require the accused to stand trial. At this hearing the judge will not determine innocence or guilt, rather the judge will determine if there is enough evidence to hold someone for trial before a jury.
What is a Preliminary Hearing.
500
Extra time that can be added to your base term. You may have this time added for past prison terms, inflicting great bodily injury on the victim or due to having used a weapon.
What is Enhancements.
500
A person who is fluent in at least one language other than English who translates in the courtroom for non-English speaking parties and witnesses in arraignments, pleas, pre-trial hearing and trials.
Who is Court Translator.
500
In this case you could have two trials. You are saying to the court: "I didn't do it, but if you prove that I did, it was because I was mentally ill at the time of the crime."
What is Dual Plea.
500
The person who uses a stenograph machine to keep a record of everything said during the court proceedings. Their written document is called a 'transcript.'
Who is a Court Reporter.
500
Procedure whereby the accused is brought before the court to plead to the criminal charge against him/her in the indictment or information. The charge is read to him/her and they are asked to plead "guilty" or "not guilty" or, where permitted, "nolo contendere."
What is an Arraignment.
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