Legal Definitions
The physical act of committing a crime.
What is Actus Reus?
The right to remain silent is part of this amendment.
What is the Fifth Amendment?
The standard of proof in criminal cases.
What is beyond a reasonable doubt?
This case ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
What is Brown v. Board of Education?
The mental intent to commit a crime.
What is Mens Rea?
The right to a speedy and public trial comes from this amendment.
What is the Sixth Amendment?
The lawyer who represents the government.
What is a prosecutor?
This case led to the requirement that police inform suspects of their rights before questioning.
What is Miranda v. Arizona?
A less serious crime, usually punishable by fines or less than a year in jail.
What is a misdemeanor?
Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
What is the Fourth Amendment?
The lawyer who represents the defendent.
What is a defense attorney?
This controversial case dealt with a woman’s constitutional right to abortion.
What is Roe v. Wade?
A serious crime is typically punishable by more than one year in prison.
What is a felony?
Protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
What is the Eighth Amendment?
When a jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict.
What is a hung jury?
This case guaranteed the right to a lawyer for defendants who cannot afford one.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright?
A statement made outside of court that is generally not admissible as evidence.
What is hearsay?
This doctrine prevents being tried twice for the same crime.
What is double jeopardy?
A formal charge issued by a grand jury.
What is an indictment?
This 1896 Supreme Court case established the idea of “separate but equal.”
What is Plessy v. Ferguson?