PROCEDURES
Punishment for committing a crime; handed down by the judge
SENTENCE
Keeps order in the courtroom, makes sure rules are fairly interpreted, decides the verdict, and imposes sentence
JUDGE
Violation of the law, of a criminal statute
CRIME
All rise. Court is now in session. The Honorable Frank Valdez presiding.
COURT CLERK
The right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney
MIRANDA RIGHTS
Statement made under oath in court regarding some aspect of a case
TESTIMONY
Attorney who works for the government, who tries to prove that you are guilty, and who seeks the maximum penalty if you are found guilty
PROSECUTOR
Crime punishable by one year or more in prison
FELONY
Objection! Leading the witness.
ATTORNEY
Client’s right not to answer questions that would make him look guilty
RIGHT TO AVOID SELF-INCRIMINATION
PLEADING THE 5TH
Questioning by the opposing attorney on the witness stand
CROSS-EXAMINATION
Person charged with (or accused of) a crime
Anything that can be introduced in a court of law to prove a point or substantiate an argument
EVIDENCE
We find the client guilty of Murder in the 1st Degree.
JURY
JURY FOREMAN
Prohibition against being tried twice for the same crime
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Agreement, or deal, made between the client/defense attorney and the prosecutor, in which the client agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge and a reduced sentence
PLEA BARGAIN
Attorney who defends the client against the charges, who tries to get an acquittal (or not guilty verdict), and who seeks the minimum penalty if you are found guilty
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
PUBLIC DEFENDER
Able to understand the proceedings against him and to assist in his own defense; know your charges and the court process, and work with your attorney
COMPETENT
In my professional opinion, I believe that Jane Doe is not yet competent to stand trial.
EXPERT WITNESS
Two-word legal term for police officer’s reasonable suspicion that crime has been committed
PROBABLE CAUSE
Court proceeding to determine whether a client is guilty or not guilty of a crime, where both sides present evidence to support their arguments
TRAIL
Person who testifies in court about a case
WITNESS
Plea in which client does not accept guilt or responsibility for the crime but acknowledges that there is enough evidence to convict him if he went to trial
NO CONTEST
I would like to plead the 5th Amendment, Your Honor.
DEFENDANT
Protection that guarantees your lawyer must be provided if you cannot afford one
RIGHT TO COURT-APPOINTED COUNSEL
6TH AMENDMENT