Column 1
The person that has been charged with a crime
Accused
The person who types every word spoken in a trial, and keeps notes on the legal proceedings
Court Reporter
When the police do this, they hold that person. When this happens, you have to answer to the charges made against you
Arrest
Anything that gives proof of a person's guilt or innocence at a trial. It can be testimony from witnesses, objects or written documents
Evidence
Any willful telling of a lie under oath, penalty is 5 years in prison
Perjury
A minor officer of a court who guards juror and has charge of prisoners while they are in the courtroom. He also swears people in to testify
Bailiff
Public Defender
The attorney who represents the accused in court. Their job is to find the best possible verdict for their defendant.
Bail
Felony
A more serious crime
When the judge, state's attorney and your public defender allow you to plead guilty to a less serious crime and receive a lighter sentence- usually probation is recommended.
Plea Bargain
Someone who comes to court to testify about your good character. This is a witness for you
Character Witness
State Attorney/ Prosecutor
Their job is to find the defendant guilty of the crime that he/she has been accused of committing.
Any abnormal courtroom behavior such as crying, yelling, talking out of turn, or cursing. Penalty is 90 days in the county jail
Contempt of court
Incarceration
To be locked up against your will
Probation
Sentence is suspended. You get to go free but you are under the supervision of a probation officer and must follow the rules the judge has set up for you to follow
The person who presides over the courtroom. Keeps order in the court and makes sure both sides are treated fairly
Judge
Alleged Offense
The crime a person is accused of committing
To find someone guilty of the crime they are accused of committing
Convict
In general to be unable to take care of yourself and your belongings
Incompetent
The punishment for being found guilty. The punishment could be prison, jail or probation
Sentence
A group of people selected from the community to hear a trial
Jury
You did not understand the rules of the courtroom.
ITP: Incompetent to Proceed
When a person breaks a law
Crime
A less serious crime punishable by jail time
Verdict
The decision found by a jury or the judge. It is the decision at the end of a trial that states whether they judge a person guilty, not guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity