All Rise
In this type of legal system, two opposing sides present their cases before a neutral judge or jury. Let the best case win.
Adversarial System?
This type of evidence establishes a fact without requiring the judge or jury to make an inference. It is a clear connection between the evidence and the crime.
What is Direct Evidence?
This criminal offence occurs when a person knowingly gives false evidence under oath.
What is Perjury?
This is an accused person's initial appearance before a judge. It is where they plead Guilty or Not Guilty. Also Called an Arraignment.
What is a First Hearing?
This official may be responsible for courtroom security, transporting prisoners, and enforcing certain court orders.
What is a Sheriff?
It is the Canadian term for direct examination.
What is Examination in Chief?
During jury selection, a lawyer can request that a potential juror be removed because there is a specific reason to believe they cannot be impartial.
What is a Challenge for Cause?
When a Jury is unable to reach a verdict.
What is a Hung Jury?
What is Isolating a Jury to prevent outside influcence?
What is Sequestering a Witness?
This allows an accused person to remain out of custody while awaiting trial, usually subject to conditions imposed by the court.
What is Bail?
The types of trials that are most likely to be "Judge Only"
What is a Summary Offence?
After a witness gives evidence for one side, the opposing lawyer questions the witness in an attempt to challenge or test their evidence.
What is Cross-Examination?
This type of evidence does not directly prove a fact but allows the judge or jury to draw a reasonable inference from other facts. e.g., fingerprints at a Crime Scene.
What is Circumstantial Evidence?
This occurs when a serious error or procedural problem prevents a trial from continuing fairly and the trial must be terminated.
What is a Mistrial?
This is the process used to determine whether potential experts are qualified to testify.
What is Voir Dire?
The obligation for parties to share relevant information with the opposing counsel.
What is Disclosure?
The types of offences that are likely to be "Judge and Jury"
What is an Indictable Offence?
This occurs when a person provides information or evidence that could establish that they committed a criminal offence.
What is Self-Incrimination?
In a Canadian criminal trial, this party represents the state and is responsible for prosecuting the accused.
What is the Crown?
A witness makes this solemn promise to tell the truth before giving evidence in court.
What is an Oath or Affirmation?
This is the high level of certainty required before a person can be found guilty of a criminal offence.
What is Reasonable Doubt?
This court official assists with the administration of the courtroom, maintains records, and helps manage court documents and exhibits.
What is a Court Clerk?
This is the formal decision reached by a judge or jury about whether an accused person is guilty or not guilty.
What is a Verdict?
This type of evidence tends to show that an accused person is innocent or may reduce their responsibility for an offence.
What is Exculpatory Evidence?
This is the side in a criminal trial that represents the accused and attempts to challenge the prosecution's case.
What is the Defence?
During jury selection, this allows a lawyer to reject a potential juror WITHOUT having to provide a specific reason.
What is a Peremptory Challenge?
A judge or juror demonstrates this by remaining neutral and making decisions without favouring either side.
What is Impartiality?
This person is responsible for creating an official record of what is said and done during court proceedings.
What is a Court Recorder?
This type of question suggests or contains the answer that the person asking the question wants the witness to give.
What is a Leading Question?
Evidence of previous acts or behaviour may sometimes be introduced to help establish that the accused committed the offence currently before the court.
What is Similar Fact Evidence?