Court System
What are the two main types of courts?
Federal and State Court
What is the first step in a criminal trial?
Arrest
Who oversees the trial proceedings?
The Judge
What does "innocent until proven guilty" mean?
A fundamental principle that assumes a defendant is innocent unless proven otherwise.
What options does a jury have for a verdict?
Guilty, not guilty, or hung jury.
What is the role of appellate courts?
To review the decisions of trial courts.
What happens during jury selection?
Jurors are questioned to determine their background and biases.
What are the primary duties of a prosecutor?
Present the case against the defendant and seek justice.
Explain the term "beyond a reasonable doubt."
The standard of proof required for a criminal conviction.
What factors does a judge consider during sentencing?
Severity of the crime, defendant’s history, and impact on the victim.
Define specialized courts and give an example.
Courts that focus on specific types of cases, such as drug courts or family courts.
Explain the purpose of opening statements.
To outline each side's case for the jury
What is the role of the defense attorney?
To defend the accused and represent their interests.
What is plea bargaining and why is it used?
Negotiations between defense and prosecution to resolve cases without trial; used to reduce case backlog.
What is the appeals process?
A procedure for the defendant to challenge a conviction based on legal errors.
What are the key differences between federal and state courts?
Federal courts deal with federal law and disputes between states, while state courts handle state law and criminal cases.
What is the significance of closing arguments?
Both sides summarize their cases and reinforce key points.
Describe the responsibilities of a witness.
To provide testimony relevant to the case.
Discuss the importance of fair trials.
Ensures justice and protects the rights of defendants.
Define the role of an appellate court.
To review trial court proceedings for legal errors.
Describe the structure of the court system.
The court system includes federal and state levels, with trial courts, appellate courts, and specialized courts.
What is the role of jury deliberation?
The jury discusses the case in private to reach a verdict.
What rights does the defendant have?
Right to remain silent, right to a fair trial, and right to legal representation.
What ethical considerations exist in trials?
Lawyers and judges must uphold justice and fairness, not just seek convictions.
What are the options for sentencing besides imprisonment?
Probation, parole, fines, and community service.