Criminal
During this stage, the jury decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty after hearing the evidence in court.
What is the verdict?
This type of court case involves a dispute between people or organizations, usually about money or damages.
What is a civil case?
This is the lowest level court in Virginia where most cases begin.
What is the General District Court?
When you apply to a higher court to reverse a decision.
This constitutional principle guarantees that the government must treat people fairly under the law.
What is due process?
This is the court hearing where the defendant hears the charges against them, probable cause is reviewed, a lawyer is provided, and the defendant enters a plea.
What is arraignment?
This is the person who brings a lawsuit in a civil case.
What is a plaintiff?
This court handles child custody, adoption, divorce, and cases for minors.
What is the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court?
A serious crime
Felony
A defendant is not allowed to have a lawyer or present evidence during their trial.
What is procedural due process?
This step is when the prosecution will formally charge the defendant with a specific crime.
What is the indictment step?
This is the first document filed to begin a civil lawsuit.
What is a complaint?
This Virginia court mainly reviews decisions made by lower courts when someone appeals a case.
What is the VA Court of Appeals?
A less serious case
Misdemeanor
This amendment applies due process protections to the states.
What is the 14th Amendment?
After a suspect is arrested, a judge decides whether the accused must remain in jail or can be released while waiting for trial.
What is jail or bail?
During this step of a civil case, both sides present evidence and witnesses in court before a judge or jury.
What is a trial?
This court’s main responsibility is to review cases to make sure the law was applied correctly in lower courts.
What is the VA Supreme Court?
The power to declare a law unconstitutional
Judicial Review
A city creates a law that says certain groups of people are not allowed to vote in local elections.
What is substantive due process?
A police officer must have this before legally arresting a person.
What is probable cause?
A person files a complaint, the defendant responds, the case goes to trial, and the jury decides who wins. The losing side asks a higher court to review the decision.
What is to appeal?
This Virginia court hears serious criminal trials first and also hears appeals from a lower court.
What is VA Circuit Court?
The authority to hear a case
What is jurisdiction?
These two amendments protect people from being deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
What are the 5th and 14th Amendments?