LEGAL TERMS
The person accused of committing a crime.
Defendant
You are arrested and taken into police custody. Before questioning you about the crime, police explain that you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Which famous Supreme Court case established these warnings?
Miranda v. Arizona
A New Hampshire law allows a person to record a conversation without getting permission from everyone involved in some circumstances. What is this commonly called?
One-Party Consent
During a trial, a lawyer asks a witness a question that suggests the answer they want. The opposing lawyer objects because the question is leading. What type of question is being used?
Leading Question
You post your political opinion online, criticize a government official, or peacefully express an opinion at a protest. Which amendment provides protection for freedom of speech?
First Amendment
The person who files a civil lawsuit.
Plaintiff
A group of students wears black armbands to school to protest the Vietnam War. The school tries to punish them for doing so. Which Supreme Court case addressed students' First Amendment rights?
Tinker v. Des Moines
A New Hampshire driver is pulled over, and the officer suspects the driver has been drinking. The driver refuses a chemical test. What legal concept can allow consequences for refusing the test?
Implied Consent
A lawyer asks the judge to prevent certain evidence from being presented because it was obtained improperly. What is the lawyer making?
Motion to Suppress
Police believe you may have committed a crime and want to search your backpack. The Constitution provides protection against certain unreasonable government searches. Which amendment provides this protection?
Fourth Amendment
The evidence-based reason police generally need to make an arrest.
Probable Cause
A person is charged with a serious crime but cannot afford to hire an attorney. Which Supreme Court case established that defendants who cannot afford an attorney have a right to legal representation?
Gideon v. Wainwright
New Hampshire law gives people certain protections when they are accused of crimes, but the state also has laws governing how evidence can be collected and used. What type of evidence is generally obtained directly from the crime scene, such as fingerprints or DNA?
Physical Evidence
A witness tells the court something they personally saw happen. This type of evidence comes directly from a person's own knowledge rather than from a document or physical object. What is it called?
Testimonial Evidence
You are charged with a crime and are going to trial. The Constitution gives criminal defendants several important trial rights, including the right to an attorney. Which amendment provides these protections?
Sixth Amendment
The principle that an accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Presumption of Innocence
A state requires public schools to be racially segregated. The Supreme Court considers whether separating students based on race violates the Constitution. Which landmark case ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional?
Brown v. Board of Education
A New Hampshire resident believes a government agency has improperly withheld a public record. New Hampshire law provides a process for citizens to request government records. What is this commonly known as?
Right-to-Know Law
During a criminal investigation, police collect evidence that appears to connect a suspect to a crime. The prosecutor believes the evidence is strong enough to formally accuse the person, but the case has not yet gone to trial. What is the formal accusation called?
Indictment
Police arrest you and demand that you admit you committed the crime. You refuse because you don't want to provide information that could incriminate you. Which amendment protects this right?
Fifth Amendment
Someone carefully plans a crime and intentionally decides to commit it. In criminal law, what Latin term describes the guilty mental state or criminal intent that can be required for certain crimes?
Mens Rea
The Constitution does not specifically say that the Supreme Court has the power to strike down unconstitutional laws. Which 1803 Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
A New Hampshire town wants to place a proposed measure directly before voters at Town Meeting rather than having the town government create it on its own. What is the document used to formally propose the measure?
Warrant Article
A defendant is found guilty at trial. Before deciding the punishment, the judge considers information about the defendant and the crime. What is the hearing or process used to determine the defendant's punishment called?
Sentencing
A state government passes a law that treats one group of people differently from another group. A constitutional challenge argues that the state is violating the requirement that people receive equal treatment under the law. What constitutional protection is being used?
Equal Protection Clause