Terms
Investigation
the process by which law enforcement gathers information about a case
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree
The legal doctrine stating that evidence resulting from illegally obtained evidence may also be inadmissible in court.
The United States District Court for the District of Maryland is located where?
101 W. Lombard St. in Baltimore.
what are the 2 types of cases?
Civil Cases
Criminal Cases
The criminal justice system has four main goals what are they?
Incapacitation
Incapacitation
Rehabilitation
Retribution
Incapacitation
protecting the public by removing a dangerous person
The primary trial courts are the ( there are 2)
District Court of Maryland
Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
The United States District Court for the District of Maryland exclusively tries what kind of cases?
This court exclusively tries federal cases.
Criminal cases are categorized as: (there are 2)
Misdemeanor
Felony
Police authority is limited by multiple layers of law: (there are 4)
The U.S. Constitution
The Maryland Constitution
Maryland Law (Statutes)
Departmental Policy
Deterrence
setting an example to prevent others from committing similar crimes
District Court of Maryland handles what? (there are 2)
Criminal Misdemeanors (with no jury trials) and Civil matters.
Fayette handles what?
Handles Landlord/Tenant and other Civil matters.
what is a criminal case?
The government, represented by an Assistant State's Attorney (ASA), brings the case against a defendant. The burden of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt. This higher standard is required because a person's freedom is at stake.
what are Administrative Penalties
Violating departmental policy can lead to an informal reprimand or even termination.
Rehabilitation
the goal of turning a person's life around through treatment and education
There are four District Court locations, each with a specific jurisdiction what are they?
Hargrove
Eastside
Wabash/Borgerding
Fayette
Wabash/Borgerding handles what?
Handles cases from the North, Northwest, and West areas, plus Bail.
what is a civil case?
These are disputes between private people, businesses, organizations, or the government. The legal standard of proof is a preponderance of the evidence (greater than 50%).
what are Civil Lawsuits
An officer can be sued for money if they violate a person's constitutional or statutory rights. However, officers are generally protected by qualified immunity as long as they operate in good faith (without malice and following established law).
Retribution
punishing a person to avoid "street justice"
Circuit Court for Baltimore City handles what?
Criminal Felonies (with jury trials), District Court Appeals, Civil cases, Family Court, and Juvenile Court.
Eastside handles what?
Handles cases from the Southeast, East, and Northeast areas, as well as Domestic Violence and protective/peace orders.
Key Steps in a Criminal Case ( name all 10)
Investigation
Arrest
District Court Commissioner
Bail Review
Court Date
Jury Trial Prayer
Plea or Trial
Verdict
Sentencing
Appeal
If a police officer fails to obey the law, there can be serious consequences, including... (there are 4)
Evidence Suppression
Administrative Penalties
Civil Lawsuits
Criminal Charges