Court Personal 1
The person who oversees the courtroom, determines guilt or innocence (in a bench trial), determines the punishment for a crime, and has the final say as to whether a person is competent or not.
Who is the Judge?
A person who testifies in court about the defendant's moral character. Usually a relative, friend, or other community member.
What is a Character Witness?
An offense for which the maximum sentence is no more than a year in jail. Least serious crimes.
What is a Misdemeanor?
When a defendant says that they did not commit the crime they are charged with?
What is a plea of Not Guilty?
Lying while under oath.
What is Perjury?
The person being charged with a crime.
Who is the Defendant?
The person responsible for recording word-for-word what is said in the courtroom.
Any offense which is punishable by sentence to time in the state prison. Most serious crimes.
What is a Felony?
When a defendant admits that they committed the crime which they are currently charged with?
What is a plea of Guilty?
The amount of time the State of Arkansas, through the Prosecuting Attorney, must begin your court case.
What is the Statute of Limitations?
The attorney who is hired by the state to prove that the defendant is guilty.
Who is the Prosecuting Attorney/Prosecutor?
A group of 12 citizens who are registered voters in the county responsible for deciding the verdict at the end of a trial.
What is the Jury?
Time served in prison or jail
What is Incarceration?
What a defendant pleas guilty in order to receive a lesser charge or a lighter sentence.
What is a Plea Bargain?
Often called as expert witnesses, a psychologist or psychiatrist specially trained in the intersection of the law and mental illness. Offers their opinions about whether a defendant is competent to stand trial.
Who is the Forensic Evaluator?
Often referred to as the officer of the courtroom. The person who assures that order is maintained and that the judge's rules are followed.
Who is the Bailiff?
What is a Fine?
When a defendant says that they committed the crime that they are charged with, but was mentally ill and could not conform their actions to the law. A guilty but NOT responsible plea.
What is a plea of NGRI (Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Disease or Defect)?
Having a soundness of mind, understanding of the charges against you, and the ability to assist your attorney in your defense.
What is Competence to Stand Trial?
The person hired to represent the defendant in court. Works to prove that the defendant is innocent, protect their rights, plan a defence strategy, and get them the best possible outcome.
Who is the Defence Attorney?
Sometimes referred to as the court secretary, who keeps the schedule of all court dates, keeps files for the court, and accepts payments for fines or fees owed to the court.
Who is the Court Clerk?
Time spent working a job assigned by the court as punishment for being found guilty of a crime.
What is Community Service?
When a defendant informs that court that they do not wish to dispute the charges against them and that they give up their right to go to trial.
What is a plea of No Contest (Nolo Contendere)?
When someone misbehaves in court, is removed from the courtroom, and receives an additional charge with a penalty of up to 6 months in jail.
What is Contempt of Court?