Landmark Cases
This 1954 Supreme Court case held that racial segregation in public schools violated the Constitution.
What is Brown v. Board of Education?
The person who files a civil lawsuit.
Plaintiff
This amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
First Amendment
The standard of proof the prosecution must meet to convict a defendant in a criminal case.
What is beyond a reasonable doubt?
The standardized admissions test commonly associated with applying to U.S. law schools.
What is the LSAT?
This 1966 case requires police to advise suspects in custodial interrogation of rights including remaining silent and having an attorney.
What is Miranda v. Arizona?
The person accused of committing a crime.
Defendant
This amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Fourth Amendment
The Latin term commonly referring to the guilty or wrongful act required for a crime.
What is actus reus?
The graduate professional degree typically earned from an American law school to become a lawyer.
What is a Juris Doctor (J.D.)?
This 1803 case established the principle of judicial review.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
A formal request asking a court to make a ruling or take some action.
Motion
This amendment includes protection against compelled self-incrimination and double jeopardy.
Fifth Amendment
The Latin term commonly referring to the required guilty mental state.
What is mens rea?
The licensing examination prospective attorneys generally take before admission to practice in a jurisdiction.
What is the bar exam?
This 1963 case established the right of indigent felony defendants in state court to appointed counsel.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright?
The questioning of the opposing side's witness.
Cross-examination
This amendment includes the right to a speedy and public criminal trial and assistance of counsel.
Sixth Amendment
Police generally need this level of justification to make an arrest.
What is probable cause?
This privilege generally protects confidential communications between lawyers and their clients made for purposes of obtaining or providing legal advice.
What is attorney-client privilege?
This 1961 case applied the exclusionary rule to the states, generally preventing illegally obtained evidence from being used in criminal prosecutions.
What is Mapp v. Ohio?
The legal principle requiring courts generally to follow controlling prior judicial decisions.
Stare decisis
This amendment contains the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses applicable to the states.
Fourteenth Amendment
This rule generally prevents evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment from being introduced against a defendant.
This term describes a lawyer working for free to provide legal services to someone who cannot afford them.
What is pro bono?