chapter 1 vocab

Question 1

adversarial system

Answer 1

judicial process where two opposing parties present evidence to an impartial judge/jury

Question 2

assizes

Answer 2

travelling courts during old England

Question 3

case law

Answer 3

method of solving cases based on previous recorded cases of the same nature

Question 4

circuit judges

Answer 4

judges of assizes

Question 5

codified

Answer 5

arranged and recorded systemically

Question 6

common law

Answer 6

law developed in english courts, relies on case law + common to all people

Question 7

divine right

Answer 7

belief that monarchs had divine power from god + only answered to god

Question 8

habeas corpus

Answer 8

everyone has the right to their day in court

Question 9

Magma Carta

Answer 9

charter of rights signed in 1215 England first step to civil rights

Question 10

retribution

Answer 10

justice based on vengeance + punishment (“and eye for an eye”)

Question 11

restitution

Answer 11

payment made by the offender to the victim of the crime

Question 12

rule of law

Answer 12

law is necessary, everyone must follow the law, no abuse of power

Question 13

rule of precedent

Answer 13

applying a previous decision to a case with similar circumstances

Question 14

stare decisis

Answer 14

a latin phrase meaning “to stand by the decision”

Question 15

trial by combat

Answer 15

determining guilt/innocence by having the parties duel

Question 16

trial by oath helping

Answer 16

requiring friends of the accused to swear on the bible that they were innocent

Question 17

trial by ordeal

Answer 17

determine guilt/innocence by torture

• trial by hot iron
• trial by cold water