Police Procedures
An officer writes this document to record observations, statements, and actions taken during an incident.
What is a police report?
This right allows a person to avoid answering questions that could incriminate them.
What is the right to remain silent?
At this court proceeding, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea.
What is an arraignment?
A witness makes this promise to tell the truth before testifying.
What is an oath or affirmation?
This is the formal decision of guilty or not guilty at the end of a trial.
What is a verdict?
This court order authorizes officers to search a specific place for particular evidence.
What is a search warrant?
This amendment guarantees the right to assistance of counsel in criminal prosecutions.
What is the Sixth Amendment?
This plea means the defendant does not admit guilt and requires the prosecution to prove its case.
What is not guilty?
Attorneys use these presentations at the beginning of trial to explain what they expect the evidence to show.
What are opening statements?
This sentencing goal focuses on helping an offender change behavior and return successfully to society.
What is rehabilitation?
This record tracks who collected, handled, transferred, and stored evidence.
What is the chain of custody?
This amendment prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.
What is the Eighth Amendment?
This process allows the prosecution and defense to exchange required information before trial.
What is discovery?
This term describes questioning a witness by the attorney who called that witness.
What is direct examination?
This sentencing goal seeks to discourage crime through the threat or experience of punishment.
What is deterrence?
An officer reasonably believes a stopped person is armed and dangerous and conducts this limited pat-down for weapons.
What is a frisk?
This protection generally prevents a person from being tried again for the same offense after an acquittal.
What is double jeopardy?
A defense attorney files this request asking the judge to exclude evidence obtained through an unlawful search.
What is a motion to suppress?
In this type of trial, a judge decides the verdict without a jury.
What is a bench trial?
This sentencing goal protects the public by restricting an offender’s ability to commit crimes in the community.
What is incapacitation?
Officers lawfully enter a room and see clearly identifiable contraband on a table. This exception may permit its seizure without a warrant.
What is the plain-view doctrine?
This constitutional principle requires fair legal procedures before the government deprives someone of life, liberty, or property.
What is due process?
This group of citizens decides whether there is probable cause to issue an indictment.
What is a grand jury?
A jury cannot reach the agreement required for a verdict. This is the name for that jury.
What is a hung jury?
A sentence of 5 to 15 years is an example of this sentencing structure.
What is indeterminate sentencing?