18/20 Vocab Flashcards
jurisdiction
the official power to make legal decisions and judgments.
plaintiff
the party who brings a suit or some other legal action against another
defendant
the person against whom a court action is brought by the plaintiff
criminal case
A case in which a defendant is tried for committing a crime as defined by the law.
civil case
noncriminal lawsuit
docket
a list of cases in court for trial, or the names of the parties who have cases pending
writ of certiorari
An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up the record in a given case for review; from the Latin meaning “to be more certain”
certificate
document serving as evidence or as written testimony, as of status, qualifications, privileges, or the truth of something
precedent
Court decision that stands as an example to be followed in future, similar cases.
redress
compensation for a wrong or grievance
due process
fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen’s entitlement
search warrant
A court order authorizing a search
probable cause
Reasonable grounds, a reasonable suspicion of crime.
exclusionary rule
Evidence gained as the result of an illegal act by police cannot be used against the person from whom it was seized.
writ of habeas corpus
is a court order to a person or agency holding someone in custody to deliver the imprisoned individual to the court issuing the order and to show a valid reason for that person’s detention
bill of attainder
n act of legislature finding a person guilty of treason or felony without trial.
ex post facto law
a law with retroactive effect or force
grand jury
The formal device by which a person can be accused of a serious crime.
indictment
A formal complaint before a grand jury which charges the accused with one or more crimes
double jeopardy
no person can be put in jeopardy of life or limb twice
bench trial
A trial in which the judge alone hears the case.
miranda rule
The constitutional rights which police must read to a suspect before questioning can occur.
bail
sum of money paid during the temporary release of an accused person in order to gurantee attendance of trial
capital punishment
death penalty
