[CJ] Chapter 2: The Criminal Justice System Flashcards
Vocabulary
Investigation
When law enforcement agents seek to obtain evidence that will verify that one or more individuals committed a crime. Criminal activity evidence could come in several different forms.
What makes a probable cause/reason to arrest a suspect?
When an officer has a good amount of evidence that will then have a probable cause making them able to arrest the suspect.
Probable cause
A reason for a person to believe that the suspect probably committed the crime.
Miranda Warnings
The suspect’s right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney; if they cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided from a judge.
Adjudication
Adjudication is the determination of whether or not the defendant is guilty.
Arraignment
The accused first appearance before a judge. At the appearance, the accused learns of their rights, receives formal notification of the charges against them, and if they cannot pay for a lawyer, one is provided.
Bail
For assuring the court that the defendant will show up for future court dates, including if necessary the trial.
Releasing the defendant on his own recognizance
Releasing the defendant to go without security is known as releasing the defendant on his own recognizance.
misdemeanors
Other offenses not quite as serious as felonies, but nevertheless harmful to society
Felonies
Heading the list of serious crimes are those who harm people and/or their property. Society’s most serious offenses.
Violations
The least serious infraction (breaking) of the law –other than traffic infractions–
Grand jury
Is a group of 23 people whose duty is to hear and examine the prosecutor’s evidence against the accused, and then decide if there is a reasonable cause to believe that the defendant committed a crime.
Issue an indictment
A document charging the defendant with the crime.
Plea-bargaining
When both sides seek to settle the case without a trial; the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a reduction of the charges by the prosecution.
Jurors
Before the trial begins, the prosecutor and the defense attorney both have an opportunity to select a group of people called the jurors.
Burden of proof
It is the prosecutor’s responsibility to prove the the defendant guilty.
Opening statement
It summarize what both attorneys plan to prove through the presentation of evidence
Direct examination
After the opening statement, each attorney then has an opportunity to present the evidence, which proves the truth of the opening statement. They accomplish this through direct examination of witnesses who testify under oath. The attorney may present evidence to clarify support or few testimony.
Cross examination
Both attorneys also have an opportunity to refute or contradict the evidence which the other side has presented attorneys. Most often accomplish this through cross-examination of the opposing side witnesses. The attorney may present evidence to clarify support or few testimony.
Closing argument.
It’s summarized is for the jury what the evidence has and has NOT shown.
Verdict
A verdict is an unanimous decision made by the jurors. And if the jurors reach a verdict, they re-enter the courtroom and the jury foreperson announces it.
Sentencing
Sentencing is when the jury convicts the defendant.
Definite
A specific length of time , such as one year
Indeterminate
Which means for a minimum in maximum length of time , such as at least one year and no more than five years.
