Courts
What are the 2 court systems?
State courts and federal courts.
Who makes decisions in court?
A judge.
What is a trial?
A trial decides a criminal case.
What is the room called where a trial happens?
Courtroom
What does a judge do if someone breaks a courtroom rule?
Enforces the rules
What is jurisdiction?
The power to hear a case.
Who tries to prove the defendant committed a crime?
A prosecutor.
What is an appeal?
Asking a higher court to review a decision.
What do we call information used to prove a case?
Evidence
What must the prosecutor prove to find someone guilty?
Guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
What is the highest court in the U.S.?
The U.S. Supreme Court.
Who helps defend the accused?
A defense attorney.
Why would someone appeal a case?
They believe a legal mistake happened.
What is the decision made in a trial called?
Verdict
What is it called when a jury cannot agree on a verdict?
A hung jury
What is a federal court?
A court that handles cases under federal law.
Who helps a person who cannot afford a lawyer?
A court-appointed lawyer.
Can a higher court review a lower court's decision?
Yes
What does a judge use to make legal decisions?
The law
What can a higher court do if it finds a legal mistake?
Reverse the decision or send the case back
How can a case reach the Supreme Court?
The case goes through appeals, and the Supreme Court may agree to review it.
Who represents the government in court?
A prosecutor.
What happens when an appeals court finds a legal mistake?
The higher court may change the decision or send the case back.
What is it called when a person is found guilty of a crime?
Conviction
What is the difference between a criminal trial and an appeal?
A trial examines evidence and facts; an appeal reviews possible legal errors