pop culture
This film follows a sorority president who ends up winning a murder case using her knowledge of perm maintenance.
Legally Blonde
In 1770, this future president defended British soldiers accused of killing colonists in a Boston street confrontation.
Boston Massacre trial (John Adams)
A crime punishable by less than one year in jail, like petty theft or simple trespassing.
misdemeanor
The number of jurors typically seated on a criminal trial jury.
An attorney asks a witness: "Isn't it true that you were angry, drunk, and driving too fast that night?"
compound question
This 1992 film's famous line is "You can't handle the truth!" delivered on the witness stand during a court-martial.
In 1893, this Massachusetts woman was tried and acquitted for the axe murders of her father and stepmother.
Lizzie Borden trial
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison, like burglary or aggravated assault.
felony
The standard of proof required to win a civil case, lower than "beyond a reasonable doubt."
perponderance of the evidence
An attorney asks: "Where were you standing when you pulled out the knife you'd been planning to use all week?"
assumes facts not in evidence
This long-running TV franchise splits every episode between police investigation and courtroom prosecution.
Law and Order
In 1931, nine Black teenagers in Alabama were falsely accused of assaulting two white women, leading to decades of retrials and appeals.
Scottsboro Boys trial
Unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime inside.
burglary
The constitutional amendment that guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial.
sixth amendment
A witness starts answering a question about the crime scene by talking about an unrelated argument with their sister.
non responsive
This long-running reality TV show features real small-claims cases decided by a former Manhattan family court judge.
Judge Judy
In 1969, seven defendants were tried for conspiracy and inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Chicago Seven Trial
Assault committed with a weapon or that causes serious bodily harm, raising the charge above simple assault.
aggravated assault
The legal document formally charging someone with a crime.
indictment
A witness testifies about what happened at a party they weren't actually at.
lack of personal knowledge
This legal drama follows a talented college dropout who works at a law firm despite never actually attending law school.
Suits
In 2011, a Florida mother was tried and acquitted for the death of her two-year-old daughter, sparking national controversy over the verdict.
Casey Anthony trial
Lying under oath during testimony or in a sworn statement.
perjury
When a jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, resulting in no verdict.
hung jury
An attorney asks about the defendant's unrelated speeding ticket from three years ago during a burglary trial.
relevance