Vocabulary 1
a U.S. constitutional protection (Fifth Amendment) that prohibits prosecuting or punishing a person twice for the same offense after an acquittal or conviction
Double jeopardy
a concise, action-oriented summary of an organization’s purpose, defining what it does, for whom, and why it exists
Mission statement
a formal civil legal action brought in court by one party (plaintiff) against another (defendant), seeking a legal remedy or compensation for harm caused, such as injury or breach of contract
Lawsuit
a person who campaigns for social or political change, typically using direct, vigorous, or organized action, such as demonstrations, protests, or lobbying
Activist
treating all sides equally, being unbiased, and fair Constitutional rights-fundamental liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, primarily the first 10 amendments (Bill of Rights), protecting citizens from government overreach
Impartial
the legal process of conducting criminal proceedings against an individual, initiated by the government (represented by prosecutors) to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in court
Prosecution
a legal dispute between private individuals, businesses, or government entities, rather than a criminal matter, initiated when a plaintiff files a complaint against a defendant, typically seeking monetary compensation or a court order to stop harmful behavior
Civil suit
a constitutional guarantee (5th and 14th Amendments) that the government must act fairly and follow established legal procedures before depriving anyone of life, liberty, or property
Due process
a person or group officially charged with a crime or wrongdoing, often called the defendant in legal proceedings
Accused
a foundational legal principle that assumes a person charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Presumption of innocence
the intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain or suffering on a person, typically to extract information, punish, intimidate, or coerce, often committed by officials
Torture
is voluntary work done to help individuals with limited means, non-profits, or public
Pro bono
an admission of guilt for a crime a person did not commit, often resulting from coercive interrogation tactics, mental distress, or deception
False confession
a sworn body of citizens, typically 6 to 12 people, summoned from the community to hear evidence in a court case and render a verdict based on facts
Jury
a formal legal determination by a court that a person is guilty of a crime, either through a judge/jury verdict or a guilty plea
Conviction
the act of accusing oneself of a crime or exposing oneself to criminal prosecution through one's own statements, testimony, or evidence
Self-incrimination
a traditional Indigenous practice used to ensure all participants are heard with respect and equality
Talking circle
an independent lawyer appointed to investigate and potentially prosecute specific, high-level cases involving wrongdoing where a conflict of interest exists for the regular prosecuting authority
Special prosecutor
a sum of money paid to an employee or agent upon the completion of a task, usually selling a specific amount of goods or services
Commission
collective efforts by local people to address shared needs, solve problems, and create positive change, often focusing on fighting poverty and fostering self-sufficiency
Community action
the act of making amends, offering compensation, or providing satisfaction for a wrong, injury, or damage caused.
Reparations