The Grand Jury
When? Where? and Why? Did the grand jury system begin?
They began in England. In the year 1166, as a way of identifying law violators.
All states use preliminary hearings instead of grand juries.
T or F
False: Some states rely on preliminary hearings while others may use grand juries.
Is nolo contendere the same as pleading guilty?
T or F
False: it's about the same but there is still a difference.
What percent of federal criminals agree to plead guilty preferably then going to trial?
97%.
What do you call chicken jokes?
Yolkes.
About ____ states use grand juries as part of the ____ process.
1/2 and pretrial.
What is the primary focus of a Preliminary Hearing?
The primary purpose of a preliminary hearing is to allow the defendant to challenge the legal basis.
What are 3 types of pleas?
3 types of pleas are guilty, not guilty, and nolo contendere.
What is Plea Bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a process of negotiation that usually involves the defendant, the prosecutor, and the defense counsel.
What are the three primary colors?
red, blue, yellow
What do grand juries require?
They require reviews of essential documents for their investigations.
Why is competence to stand trial a problem?
The defendant may appear to not understand the proceedings
What defense mechanism is used as a way to not enter a plea?
Standing Mute.
What might defendants do to get a chance for a plea?
They may give information up such as other criminals, criminal cartels, and smuggling activities.
What marine animal has a tusk?
A Narwhal.
What is one named country that still uses grand juries?
The United States.
Why are preliminary hearings held?
To determine if there is probable cause to hold the defendant for trial
What are the purposes of Arraignment?
The 2 purposes are 1) to once again inform the defendant of the specific charges against him and 2) to allow the defendant to enter a plea.
Why may plea bargains benefit the accused?
it gives the possibility of reduced or combined charges, lower defense costs, and a shorter sentence than anticipated.
What are Santa's reindeer's names?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.
What do grand juries do in most jurisdictions do?
They may initiate prosecution independently of the prosecutor, although they rarely do.
How does the magistrate help the court put a defendant who may be mentally incompetent on trial?
If they find enough evidence to justify a trial, the defendant is bound over the grand jury.
What makes nolo contendere different from pleading guilty?
Nolo contendere is about the same as pleading guilty; it is just not used in civil proceedings that seek monetary or other damages against the defendant.
what are judges required to do?
They are required to 1) inform the defendant of the various rights he or she is surrendering by pleading guilty, 2) determine that the plea is voluntary, 3) require disclosure of any plea agreements, and 4) make sufficient inquiry to ensure there is a factual basis for the plea.
What 3 flavors make up Neapolitan ice cream?
Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry.