What is the highest federal court, consisting of 9 justices, and having jurisdiction over all courts in the nation.
100
U.S. Congress
What is a group of representatives who vote for certain laws and acts and is split into two groups; The House of Reps. and The Senate
100
State Constitution
What is a designated constitution implemented by each individual state regarding relationships between government and the people.
100
Defendant
What is an individual, company, or institution sued or accused in court of law.
100
Cruel and Unusual Punishment
What is punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. Includes torture, deliberately degrading punishment, or punishment that is too severe for the crime committed.
200
Bench Trial
What is a trial before a judge, not consisting of a jury.
200
U.S. Code
What is a cosolidation and codification of general and permenant laws by subject matter.
200
Jury Nullification
What is a constitutional doctrine which allows juries to acquit criminal defendants who are technically guilty, but who do not deserve punishment.
200
Attorney
What is a person appointed to act foranother in business or legal matters.
200
Bail
What is the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money be lodged to guarentee their appearence in court.
300
Writ of Habeus Corpus
What is a petition used to bring a prisoner before a judge to determine if their inprisonment is lawful.
300
Freedom of Speech
What is one part of the 1st amendment to the United States Constitution allowing each citizen the right to pronounce their opinions and beliefs.
300
Ex Post Facto
What is a law with retroactive effect or force.
300
Precedent
What is an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.
300
Jurisdiction
What is the official power to make legal decisions and judgement.
400
U.S. District Court
What is a trial court in the federal court system that has jurisdiction over almost all civil and criminal cases federally.
400
Affidavit
What is a written statement, confirmed by oath of affirmation, used in court as evidence.
400
Subject Matter Jurisdiction
What is the authority of a court to hear cases of a particular type or cases relating to a specific subject matter.
400
Self Incrimination
What is the act of implementing oneself in a crime or exposing oneself to criminal prosecution.
400
Unreasonable Sarch and Seizure
What is search of an individual or his/her premises and/or seizure of evidence found in such a search by a law enforcement officer without a warrant or probable cause.
500
U.S. Courts of Appeal
What is an appelate court that is intermediate between trial and last resort courts.
500
Geographical Jurisdiction
What is the right given by law for a court to try cases in a specific area.
500
Sunset Laws
What is a law that automatically terminates a regulatory agency, board, or function of government on a certain date if not reviewed.
500
Bill of Attainder
What is an item of legislation (prohibited by the U.S. Constitution) that inflicts attainder without judicial process.
500
Exclusionary Rule
What is a law that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in a criminal trial.