Show:
People in the Court Room I
Pleas
People of the Courtroom II
100
The person accused of committing a crime.
Who is the Defendant.
100
By saying this you are telling the court "I didn't do it." The DA will have to prove that you committed the crime during a trial.
What is "Not Guilty."
100
This person presides over the court, interprets the law and makes sure that you receive a fair trial. They also decide the sentence.
Who is the judge.
200
The lawyer who defends the person accused of committing a crime. They offer their own witnesses to present their client's version of the facts.
Who is the Public Defender ~or~ Defense Attorney.
200
By saying this you are telling the court "I did it." By doing this you give up the right to a trial and you accept the sentence that the judge gives you. You cannot change your mind once you enter this plea.
What is Guilty.
200
These are the 12 citizens randomly selected to observe the trial, listen to the arguments from both sides and decide the facts of the case. They also are responsible if the defendant is guilty or innocent. All 12 members must agree to a Guilty or Not Guilty verdict unanimously.
Who is the jury.
300
The lawyer who prosecutes cases on behalf of the people of the State of California. By questioning witnesses they try to convince the judge and jusry that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Who is the District Attorney.
300
You are telling the court "I am not going to fight the case. Go ahead and sentence me." This plea has the same result as pleading guilty and you will be sentenced as guilty and cannot change your mind later.
What is No Contest.
300
People called to the stand to give testimony about what they saw or heard relating to the case. They have to swear to tell the truth.
Who is the witness.
400
The person who writes down the judges orders, keeps all the records and evidence and swears in the witnesses.
Who is the Court Clerk.
400
You are saying to the court, "I did it, but I was mentally ill at the time." If you are found to meet this criteria you will be sent to a psychiatric hospital and your sentence could be anywhere from 6 months to indefinite.
What is Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity.
400
This is the deputy sheriff assigned to the courtroom for security purposes. They ensure the protection of everyone in the coutroom. They also are responsible for bringing criminal defendants into the courtroom and keeping juries isolated while they deliberate.
Who is the Bailiff.
500
A person who is fluent in at least one language other than English who translates in the courtroom for non-English speaking parties and witnesses in arraignments, pleas, pre-trial hearing and trials.
Who is Court Translator.
500
In this case you could have two trials. You are saying to the court: "I didn't do it, but if you prove that I did, it was because I was mentally ill at the time of the crime."
What is Dual Plea.
500
The person who uses a stenograph machine to keep a record of everything said during the court proceedings. Their written document is called a 'transcript.'
Who is a Court Reporter.