Chapter 15-3/15-4 Flashcards
crime
breaks a law, causes injury or harm
4th amendment
protects against unreasonable searches and seizures
5th amendment
no one should be compelled to testify against themselves
8th amendment
prevents against cruel and unusual punishment
sentence
punishment for the offender/convicted
hung jury
when the jury can not reach an unanimous verdict
verdict
decision by the judge/jury
plea bargain
to negotiate a lesser charge: majority of cases end up this way (saves time)
grand jury
large group of citizens, hears evidence and decides if theres enough for an endictment
arraignment
judge reads formal charges
criminal law
government is plaintiff, the accused is the defendant
bench trial
no jury, judge decides verdict
felonies
most serious crimes
petty offenses
minor crimes; traffic offenses; disturbing the peace
criminal justice system
police, lawyers, judges, prisons, and courts
