Courtroom Personnel
What is a bailiff?
The officer assigned to the courtroom to maintain the of everyone.
What is it called when you are taken into custody by police because they believe you broke the law?
Arrested
The defendant looked down because they felt ashamed. Is this a fact or interpretation?
Interpretation - emotion; no proof
If I believe someone is lying when they are testifying, there is nothing I can do. True or False?
False
If you plea NGI there will be a sanity trial. If found "sane" the judge will sentence you the same as if you were found guilty. True or false?
True
Who presides over the court, interprets the law and makes sure you receive a fair trial?
Judge
This is the step of the process where you are told your legal rights and what your charges are.
Arraignment
The attorney told the defendant not to speak in court. Is this fact or interpretation?
Fact
How can you help your attorney?
Be honest
Listen to their side
Which pleas will take you to a trial?
Not Guilty
NGI
Who gets to question the defendant if they decide to testify in court?
District Attorney and Defense Attorney
What is the step of the trial process called where the facts of the case are reviewed to decide if there is enough evidence to go ahead with a trial?
Preliminary Hearing
During the evaluation, the defendant gave inconsistent answers. Is this fact or interpretation?
Fact
You are in court. You see your public defender laughing and joking with the prosecuting attorney. You're suspicious. What should you do, and why?
You can talk to lawyer but don't make a scene
You can ask questions but don't be argumentative
Maybe they have worked with that D.A. before
Which pleas will not lead to a trial?
Guilty
No contest
Doctors, forensic scientist, and financial analysts are examples of what?
Expert witness
What is the step where the judge reviews the available evidence and decides what can or cannot be used for a trial?
Pre-trial hearing
Rewrite into a fact: "My lawyer does not care about me."
My lawyer has not returned my phone calls.
My lawyer does not answer my questions.
My lawyer only met with me for 10 minutes.
You want to testify in court, but your lawyer doesn't think it is a good idea because the jury will not find you credible. What would you do and why?
Listen to your lawyer/take their advice
Ask what is making you look not credible
What are the advantages of a plea bargain?
Don't go to trial
Know the sentence ahead of time
Receive a lower sentence
Case is settled quicker
Who is someone that testifies about your personality, behavior, or good traits?
Character witness
What is the step when the judge or the jury make their final decision?
Verdict
How does confusing interpretations with facts interfere with a defendant's ability to assist their attorney?
Miscommunication
Poor decision making
Increased conflict/mistrust
Difficulty building defense
Your attorney says he has a good offer for you. You tell him your family does not want you to take it because they think you are innocent. Your attorney refuses to discuss the matter with your family. What would you do and why?
It is not your attorney's job to tell your family
What are the disadvantages of a plea bargain?
Give up the right to a trial
Must plead guilty or no contest
Charge will go on record as a conviction
Lose the right to appeal/remain silent