Court Terms
Who is the defendant?
The person who has been charged with a crime
Appellate courts
12
Name a type of court case that would be heard in federal court
Interstate business, copyright, trade, etc.
What was noteworthy about the two main witnesses in the case? (Stone and Livingston)
They both lied / were coached in their testimony
She began her acting career at what age?
Age 10
Who is the bailiff?
The person who is a sheriff or police officer of the court
What kind of court is housing court?
A court of limited jurisdiction (one of the 4 types of courts)
They can be witnesses or jury members
Name a type of court case that would be heard in a state court
Multiple answers (traffic violations, divorce, contract dispute, workers injury, etc)
According to Mr. Livingston, what did Dwight need another gun for?
To commit armed robbery
Her nickname was the Princess of ______________
Princess of R&B
What is a prosecutor
Someone who works for the state to try and convict a defendant of a crime
What is criminal law?
A type of law that requires punishment for those who break it? (example: murder)
What is "reasonable doubt"?
The idea that for someone to be guilty in a criminal trial, the evidence has to show only one possible explanation (that they are guilty)
What is the most common type of court case in the USA?
Traffic Court Cases
According to the girlfriend, what was the relationship between Dexter and the victim?
They were friends and colleagues at McDondalds
Where was she born?
Brooklyn, NY
What is voir dire
Potential jurors are questioned to determine if they can be fair and impartial in a case
What is civil law?
A conflict between two private parties (for example: a small car accident)
What is "preponderance of evidence"
The idea in a civil trial, that the evidence shows one person PROBABLY is more responsible than the other for what happened.
Which courts in the state system handle most serious crimes and major civil cases?
What was a major issue with Juries at this time (in the 1980s)
They almost never let black people onto the jury
How did Aaliyah die?
In a plane crash
What is due process?
A trial that is being conducted fairly and in line with the law
What is the main role of the supreme court?
To uphold or overturn decisions made by a lower court
What is a plaintiff?
A person in a civil trial who is suing someone else
Which court in the federal system is the court of last resort?
The Supreme Court
How did Stone's testimony incriminate Dwight Dexter (make him look guilty?)
He said Dwight confessed to "killing a white boy" and that Dwight tried to buy another gun from him
How old was Aaliyah when she died?
22 years old