Court Functions
When neighbors argue over property lines, this court function helps them reach a solution
What is dispute resolution?
This official manages courtroom proceedings, makes legal rulings, and ensures trials follow the law
Who is the judge?
This is a spoken statement given in court as evidence
What is testimony?
This system allows people to pay money to be released from jail while awaiting trial
What is cash bail?
This is the authority of a court to be the first to hear a case
What is original jurisdiction?
The lawyer responsible for presenting evidence against a defendant in a criminal trial
Who is the prosecutor?
This is a person who was present at an incident and describes what they saw in court
What is a lay witness?
This US State eliminated the cash bail system in 2023
What is Illinois?
If a defendant loses a case and asks a higher court to review the decision, the higher court is using this type of jurisdiction
What is appellate jurisdiction?
If someone is accused of a crime, but cannot afford legal representation, this type of attorney is assigned to their case
Who is a public defender?
This is a specialist, such as a forensic scientist, who provides knowledge to help explain evidence
What is an expert witness?
Studies have shown that this type of testimony is not always reliable because memories can be distorted
What is eyewitness testimony?
Courts help maintain order in society by ensuring that individuals who commit crimes face consequences. This is known as what?
Punishment of Wrongdoers
Before a trial begins, attorneys interview potential jurors in a process called this
What is voir dire?
What is direct evidence?
This psychologist's research revealed that memory can be influenced by leading questions and outside information
Who is Elizabeth Loftus?
Some cases can be tried in either a state or federal court because both have the authority to hear them. This is known as what?
What is concurrent jurisdiction?
Lawyers can remove a limited number of jurors without needing to give a reason by using this type of challenge?
What is a peremptory challenge?
This type of evidence does not directly prove a fact, but requires the jury to make inferences
What is circumstantial evidence?
Most experts agree that this is a more trustworthy type of evidence than using eyewitnesses
What is DNA evidence?