Legal Jargon
The money or other security paid to release a defendant or witness from custody, with the promise they will return to court at the scheduled time
What is bail?
A lawyer can say this when opposing counsel is asking leading questions, speculating, stating things with lack of relevance, etc.
What is "objection"?
What are the Miranda Rights?
The right to express one's opinions and oneself
What is freedom of speech?
A claim that someone did something wrong before it has been proven
What is an allegation?
The side trying to prove the defendant committed the crime
What is a prosecution?
A statement one can make when choosing to stay silent in a legal setting
What is "I plead the fifth"?
The inhumane and extreme legal penalty one is protected against
What is cruel and unusual punishment?
A request made after a trial, asking another court to decide whether the trial was conducted properly
What is an appeal?
Trials which are not successfully completed, and declared void before a jury verdict or judge decision.
What is a mistrial?
The legal work undertaken for free
What is pro bono?
The right to fair procedures before the government may take away life, liberty, or property
What is the right to due process?
Usually a petty offense, a less serious crime than a felony, punishable by less than a year of confinement
What is a misdemeanor?
When the opposing lawyer questions a witness to challenge credibility or testimony
What is a cross-examination?
This court order requires a person to appear in court
What is a subpoena?
Being tried twice for the same crime, which you have protection against
What is double jeopardy?
The decision by a judge to postpone trial until a later date
What is a continuance?
When a defendant first appears in court to be read their charges and enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
What is an arraignment?
The defendant must be proven guilty beyond ______________ (3 words)
What is "a reasonable doubt"?
The right to not be punished for actions that were legal when committed
What is the right to be free from Ex Post Facto laws?