Key People
The person accused of breaking the law and charged with an offense or a crime.
The Defendant
The process where the State's Attorney must present evidence to try to prove the defendant is guilty of the charge, and the Defense Attorney may present evidence to try and prove the defendant is not guilty.
Trial
Information used to prove that the person is guilty or not guilty; the facts of the case.
Evidence
A promise that a person makes to tell the truth in court.
Oath
A defendant's official answer in the courtroom to a criminal charge, like "guilty" or "not guilty."
Plea
The group of people that listen to the evidence and testimony of witnesses and decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
The Jury
The crime the defendant is accused of committing.
Charge
Someone who answers questions in court and tells the judge or jury what they have seen or heard.
Witness
A proceeding where a jury makes a decision of a verdict.
Jury Trial
Work the court makes you do.
Community Service
The boss of the courtroom who gives punishments to defendants, decides the verdict in a bench trial, and makes sure that trials are fair.
The Judge
Any criminal case that is punishable by one year or less in jail.
Misdemeanor
Privileges that each person in the US has. Examples include the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, etc.
Rights
A proceeding where a judge decides the verdict and there is no jury involved.
Bench Trial
The final decision by the judge or jury at the end of a trial that the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
Verdict
The lawyer for the defendant who gives legal advice to the defendant.
The Defense Attorney
Any criminal case that is punishable by over one year in state prison.
Felony
Something that someone says happens.
Allegation
The person who reports to the judge and supervises people for the court, making sure defendants follow the rules and the court's orders.
Probation Officer
The punishment or consequences the judge gives the defendant if they are found guilty.
Sentence
The lawyer who works against the defendant.
The State's Attorney/Prosecutor
The idea that a defense attorney must protect and keep secret any information that the client tells them, unless the client gives the attorney permission to tell someone else.
Telling on yourself or testifying against yourself during a criminal trial.
Self-Incrimination
When a witness lies in court after promising to tell the truth.
Perjury
A deal that is offered to the defendant by the State's Attorney or prosecutor. If the defendant accepts the offer, they agree to plead guilty, possibly in exchange for a lesser punishment, reduced charges, and/or dropping some of the charges against them.
Plea Agreement/Plea Bargain