People of the Court
This person is in charge of the courtroom, makes sure both sides (defense and state) are treated fairly, and keeps the courtroom under control.
Who is the judge?
This is the legal term for breaking or failing to follow a law.
What is a crime?
How often is the comp eval administered at FSH?
What is 30 days?
This is considered a defendant's response to the charges brought against them.
What is a plea?
The jury hears the evidence and decides that the defendant is not guilty. What is the jury's final decision called?
What is a verdict?
This lawyer works with the person accused of a crime. He or she tries to get the best possible outcome for the defendant.
What is the public defender/defense attorney?
This is the crime a person is accused of committing before it is proven (or disproven) in court.
What is an alleged offense?
Who administers the comp eval at FSH?
The defendant says, "I am not admitting that I did it, but I am not denying it either. I will let the court decide." Which plea is this?
What is no contest?
This is punishment issued by the judge. This can include jail, prison, probation, or another penalty.
What is a sentence?
This lawyer represents the state and presents the case against the defendant. This lawyer must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the offense.
Who is the state attorney/prosecutor?
What are the two types of crimes?
What are felonies and misdemeanors?
What is a competency hearing?
What two pleas can a defendant enter when accepting a plea bargain?
What are no contest and guilty pleas?
A person is sentenced but is allowed to stay in the community. He or she must follow rules and report to a supervising officer. What is this called?
What is probation?
During a trial, this person guards the jurors, takes charge of prisoners while they are in court, announces the judge, and swears in witnesses.
Who is the bailiff?
A witness is sworn in and promises to tell the truth. The witness knowingly gives a false answer in court. What crime has the witness committed?
What is perjury?
Who ultimately decides if a defendant is truly competent to proceed with his or her trial?
Who is the judge?
This type of plea bargain means that an individual will plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for less time and potentially testimony against another defendant. This type of plea bargain is common in crimes with multiple defendants. (Remember: Defendant will plead guilty to a lesser charge!)
What is a charge bargain?
A person is released from prison early but must follow rules and report to a supervising officer. In Florida, this mainly applies to people who were sentenced before 1995. What is this called?
What is parole?
This person types and records every word spoken in court and keeps an official written record of courtroom events.
Who is the court reporter/court recorder?
A defendant becomes irritated during court proceedings after receiving a guilty verdict and begins to threaten the judge and other jurors, saying that he is going to burn down their homes. What crime has the defendant committed?
What is contempt of court?
This competency factor assesses whether an individual acknowledges and understands the minimum and maximum penalties that he or she may face if convicted of an offense.
What is "appreciation of possible penalties"?
This type of plea bargain requires that the defendant plead guilty outright to the charges brought against them in exchange for less time. (Remember: Defendant will plead guilty to the same charge!)
What is a sentence bargain?
A person is allowed to live in the community instead of going to prison, but they must follow strict rules. They may be required to wear an ankle monitor, follow a set schedule for when and where they can leave home, and complete community service. What is this called?
What is community control?