Chapter 1 Vocab Flashcards
beyond a reasonable doubt
The level of proof required to convict a person of a crime.
civil action
A noncriminal lawsuit, brought to enforce a right or redress a wrong.
human rights
Basic privileges a person has as a human being.
plaintiff
In a civil case, the injured party who brings legal action against the alleged wrongdoer.
misdemeanors
A criminal offense, less serious than a felony, punishable by a prison sentence of one year or less.
criminal laws
The branch of law dealing with crimes and their punishment.
preponderance of the evidence
Usually the standard of proof used in a civil suit; the burden of proof that a party must meet in order to win the lawsuit. To win, a party must provide evidence that is more convincing than the other side’s evidence.
veto
To prohibit; in government, the veto is the power of a chief executive to prevent enactment of a bill
bill of rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution which guarantee basic human rights in the US.
judicial review
The process by which courts decide whether the laws passed by Congress or state legislatures are constitutional.
limited government
A basic principle of our constitutional system. It limits government to powers provided to it by the people.
statutes
Written laws enacted by legislatures.
prosecutor
The state or federal government’s attorney in a criminal case.
checks and balances
The power of each of the three branches of government to limit the other branches’ power.
defendant
The person against whom a claim is made.
