Court Room Positions
Kinds of Trials and Courts
Pre-Trial
Terms
Verdict
100
Witness
What is A person called upon by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the court or jury
100
bench trial
What is a Trial without a jury in which a judge decides the facts.
100
Bail
What is Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
100
Affidavit
What is A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
100
Felony
What is A crime carrying a penalty of more than a year in prison.
200
Council
What is a lawyer engaged to the trial. Refers to both defense and Prosecution
200
Criminal Trial
What is a trial in which the innocence of a defendant is argued in relation to a criminal charge. A violation of law
200
warrant
What is A written order directing the arrest of a party. A search warrant orders that a specific location be searched for items, which if found, can be used in court as evidence.
200
hearsay
What is Statements by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. Hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence in court.
200
Capital offense
What is a crime punishable by death
300
plaintiff
What is the person who has brought forth the charges
300
Mistrial
What is An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again from the selection of the jury.
300
Subpoena
What is A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
300
indictment:
What is The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
300
Acquit
What is discharge completely. Not guilty
400
Clerk or Bailiff
What is a person whose job is to swear in witnesses and juries; to maintain exhibits offered in evidence; and to perform related duties as assigned.
400
Civil Trial
What is A trial in which a plaintiff seeks damages or other remedy from a defendant; a lawsuit.
400
Grand Jury
What is A body of citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which are presented by the government, and determines whether there is probable cause to believe the offense was committed. They determine whether their is sufficient evidence to go to trial
400
sequester:
What is To separate. Sometimes juries are sequestered from outside influences during their deliberations
400
Verdict. How do criminal courts reach verdicts and how does a Supreme Court.
What is a decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case or an inquest.
500
foreperson
What is is a jury member who acts as the chairman and spokesperson for the jury. S/he is the head juror.
500
Name the 4 basic levels of the court system in order of first appearance to potential last. Hint: The last one is the Supreme Court
What is County Court, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, SC
500
5th Amendment. Name 3 rights established in it
What is No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
500
Voir Dire
What is an oath administered to a proposed witness or juror by which he or she is sworn to speak the truth in an examination to ascertain his or her competence
500
Directed Verdict
What is t is a verdict ordered by the court after the evidence has been presented and the court finds it insufficient for a jury to return a verdict for the side with the burden of proof. A court may enter a directed verdict before the jury renders its verdict. If the court allows the jury to make a verdict but then disagrees with the jury's evaluation of the evidence, the court can decide the case by issuing an order.
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