What do we call a judge's final decision in a case?
A verdict
How many justices are on the U.S. Supreme Court?
9
What's the biggest thing every pre-law student is scared of?
THE LSAT!!!!!!!!!
What is a "jury"
A group of citizens deciding facts in a trial
What do we call it when a law is declared unconstitutional?
The law is "struck down"
What is the main job of a lawyer: prosecute, defend, or represent a client?
Represent a client
Supreme Court justices are appointed for how long?
Life
Besides grades, what's one other major part of law school applications?
Personal Statement!
What is a testimony?
A witness speaking under oath
What type of law deals with contracts, injuries, and lawsuits between people?
Civil Law
Who does the "burden of proof" fall on in a case?
The prosecution
The Supreme Court is part of which branch of government?
Judicial Branch
What is the term for observing court proceedings?
Court-watching!
What is a sentence in criminal law?
The punishment given after a conviction
What is it called when someone represents themselves in court?
Pro se
What is the difference between criminal and civil law?
Criminal: Government punishing crime & Civil: Disputes between people and/or entities
True or False: The Supreme Court can, in some cases, decide guilt or innocence in trials.
FALSE!
Name 3 other pre-law orgs on campus (and you can't say any of the three here....)
there are tons !!!!
What does "appeal" mean?
Asking a higher court to review a decision
What is the legal term for free legal help provided in the public interest?
Pro Bono
What does "innocent until proven guilty" describe?
The presumption of innocence
What living document does the Supreme Court interpret most often?
The Constitution
True or False: All attorneys practice in courtrooms
False! Only 66% of attorneys practice litigation, and only 2-3% of their cases reach a full trial!
What is "res judicata"
A legal doctrine that prohibits parties from re-litigating cases that have already been decided
What does the term "habeas corpus" mean?
Habeas corpus is a legal right that allows a person in custody to challenge their detention and require the government to justify the grounds for their detention.