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The branch of law dealing with crimes and their punishment
Criminal Law
A serious criminal offense punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year
Felony
A criminal offense, less serious than a felony, punishable by a prison sentence of one year or less
Misdemeanor
In a civil case, the injured party who brings legal action against the alleged wrongdoer
Plaintiff
The person against whom a claim is made
Defendant
All law that does not involve criminal matters, such as tort and contract law
Civil Law
A person who voluntarily helps another person commit a crime; is usually present or directly aids in the crime
Accomplice
A person who helps commit a crime but is usually not present at the crime
Accessory
a court proceeding
Trial
The state or federal government’s attorney in a criminal case
Prosecutor
Court decision on a legal question that guides future cases with similar questions
Precedent
A mistake made by a judge in legal procedures or rulings during a trial that may allow the case to be appealed
Error of Law
A court in which appeals from trial-court decisions are heard
Appeals court
Courts that listen to testimony, consider evidence, and decide the facts in a disputed situation
Trial Courts
The right and the duty to withhold info. from others because of some special status or relationship of confidentiality. This includes: husband-wife, doctor-patient, & attorney-client.
Privilege
The active support of a cause
Advocacy
The act or process of resolving a dispute between two or more parties
Mediation
A way of settling a dispute without going to trial. The parties who disagree select one or more impartial persons to settle the dispute. If it its binding... then all parties must accept the decision.
Arbitration
A repeat criminal offender, convicted if a crime after having been previously convicted
Recidivist
A trial attorney; barrister
Litigator
The process by which courts decide whether the laws passed by Congress or state legislatures are constitutional
Judicial Review
the provision in Article VI of the Constitution stating that U.S. laws and treaties must be followed even if state and local laws disagree with the Constitution and these treaties
Supremacy Clause
The level of proof required to convict a person of a crime. It does not mean “convinced 100 percent,” but does mean there are no reasonable doubts as to guilt
Beyond a reasonable doubt
The idea stated in the 5th and 14th Amendments that every person involved in a legal dispute is entitled to a fair hearing or trial
Due Process
Usually the standard of proof used in a civil suit; the burden of proof that a party must meet in order to win the lawsuit. To win, a party must provide evidence that is more convincing than the other side’s evidence
Preponderance of Evidence