Roles in the Court
The neutral decision-maker who presides over the courtroom
Judge
The lowest level court where most criminal cases start
Trial Court (Provincial/State Court)
The standard of proof the Crown must meet to convict in a criminal case
Beyond a reasonable doubt
The first court appearance where the charges are read and a plea is entered
Arraignment (First Appearance)
The punishment or outcome the judge imposes after a guilty plea or verdict
Sentence
The lawyer who represents the government or the Crown in a criminal case
Prosecutor (Crown Counsel)
The court that reviews decisions of lower courts but usually does not hear new
Appellate Court
Evidence that comes from what a witness says in court
Testimonial Evidence
The decision about whether an accused will be released or held in custody before trial
Bail Hearing
A sentence that lets an offender live in the community under conditions instead of going to jail
Probation
The lawyer who represents the accused person
Defence Lawyer (Defence Counsel)
The highest court in a country or province/state, whose decisions are final
Supreme Court
The rule that can exclude evidence obtained in a way that violates an accused’s rights
Exclusion of improperly obtained evidence (exclusionary rule)
The stage where the Crown shares police reports and evidence with the defence
Disclosure
Circumstances that make a judge consider a harsher sentence
Aggravating Factors
The person who keeps the record, manages files, and calls cases in court
Court Clerk
The type of jurisdiction that means a court’s power to hear a certain kind of case, like criminal or family
Subject Matter Jurisdiction
The constitutional right that allows an accused to stay silent and not answer
Right to Remain Silent
A negotiated guilty plea in exchange for a lighter sentence or reduced charge
Plea Bargain
The process where a higher court reviews a conviction or sentence for legal error
Appeal
The group of citizens that hears the evidence and decides the facts at trial
Jury
The term for the geographic area over which a court has authority
Territorial Jurisdiction
The formal questioning of a witness by the opposing lawyer.
Cross Examination
The questioning of potential jurors to decide if they can be fair and impartial
Voir Dire (Jury Selection)
A remedy used after regular appeals are finished to challenge a possible miscarriage of justice
Post Conviction Review (Collateral Review)