chapter 6 Flashcards
adversarial system
the system of law in which two or more opposing side’s present their case in court
crown attorney
the lawyer who prosecuted on behalf of the gov and society
defends counsel
the legal representative of an accused
court clerk
a person who keeps records and files and processes documents for a court
court recorder
a person who documents court proceedings
empaneling
the selection of jury
jury panel
a large group of citizens for possible inclusion on a jury
challenge for cause
to screen out potential biases in juries
peremptory challenge
lawyers can remove a potential juror from a trial without having to give a reason.
oath
a solemn promise or statement that something is true
sequester
to keep the jury together and isolated until it reaches a verdict
verdict
the final formal decision of a trial
arraignment
the charge read to the accused and the plea entered
direct evidence
information given by an eyewitness about the event in question
circumstantial evidence
indirect evidence not based on personal knowledge
examination in chief
the questions a lawyer ask their own witness in court
leading question
a question that contains the desired answer
directed verdict
judge withdraws from the case because they find the accused not guilty because the crown has not proven its case
subpoena
a court document ordering a person to appear in court
perjury
the act of knowingly giving false evidence in a judicial proceeding
credibility
the fact of being believable or reliable
voir dire
a type of mini trial held within an actual trial to decide if certain evidence is admissible
self - incrimination
the act of implicating oneself in a crime
privileged communication
confidential communication that cannot be disclosed
hearsay evidence
information not coming from direct person knowledge of the witness
character evidence
information indicating the likelihood of an accused committing or not committing the crime
inculpatory
demonstrating guilt
exculpatory
clearing the defendant of guilt
charge to the jury
the judge’s instructions to the jury at the end of the trial
hung jury
a jury that is unable to reach a verdict
