Pleas
What does it mean to plea guilty?
To say that you did do the crime you were charged with.
Lawyer
Your attorney/the person who defends your case.
Fourth amendment
The right of the people to be secure in their person's, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable search and seizure. Warrants are required for search and seizure.
Eye witness
Someone who saw the crime
What does attorney-client privilege mean?
Confidentiality of communication between lawyers and clients.
What does it mean to plea not guilty?
To say that you did not do that crime that you were charged with.
Prosecutor/district attorney
Lawyers who investigate, charge, and prosecute people whom they think have committed a crime.
Fifth amendment
Right to remain silent. Right to due process of law. Defendants must be read the Miranda warning.
Character witness
Someone who can testify on the personality of the defendant.
What does the court clerk do?
Maintains records of the court and administers oaths to witnesses and jurors.
What does it mean to plea not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI)?
To say that at the time of committing the crime you were not in your right mind. A mental illness impacted your ability to tell right from wrong.
Judge
A person who is in charge of a court of law and who makes final decisions on legal disagreements. Judges are impartial decision makers in the pursuit of justice.
Sixth amendment
Right to an attorney
Jury trial
Speedy trial
Appeal
Witnesses
Expert witness
A professional with a lot of knowledge on a relevant topic in the case.
What is another word for court reporter?
Stenographer
What does it mean to plea no contest?
You accept the conviction, but do not plea guilty or not guilty.
Defendant
A person who has been accused of a crime or charge and is brought in for court.
Eighth amendment
No excessive bail, excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishment.
Who can provide witnesses, the defendant or the prosecutor?
Both!
What is a hearsay testimony?
A statement that is offered by a witness as the truth, however, the statement was actually made by someone other than that particular witness.
How do you decide how to plea?
By working with your attorney/public defender.
Bailiff
An employee of the court who enforces the Judge's orders and announces events.
What is the Miranda warning?
The warning is typically given upon arrest, "right to remain silent, right to an attorney..."
Which amendment says the defendant has a right to cross examine witnesses and provide witnesses of their own?
Sixth amendment
What does pro se mean?
Representing one's self rather than being represented by a lawyer.