Court Functions Flashcards
Court Functions
Where our legal system originated
Ancient Romans
The purpose of the Roman legal system
To provide all citizens with easily accessible laws
Who is the person who files a lawsuit in a civil claim
The plaintiff
The person who caused a harm in a civil case or who committed a crime offense
The defendant
The person who brings charges in a criminal case
The prosecution/prosecutor
The problem in a civil dispute
Dispute between private parties, individuals or corporations
What the civil process seeks out
The truth
The problem in a criminal case/law
The violation of some criminal law; ordinance, state, or federal law
The penalties in a civil case/law
1) Reimbursement for loss
2) Punitive damages
Penalties in criminal case/law
1) Fines
2) Incarceration
3) Execution
How much time misdemeanors can cause someone to serve
1 year or less
How much time felonies can cause someone to serve
1 year or more
The burden of proof is always on this entity in a criminal case
Prosecution
Prosecution in a criminal case must prove the crime happened with this type of burden of proof
Beyond a reasonable doubt
Burden of proof in a civil case is this
1) Shared
2) Initial burden is on plaintiff
3) Burden of proof is the “preponderance of evidence”
4) Defendant has to prove it did not happen
What is discovery?
“No secrets” and everyone has to share their evidence in court
What are interrogatories?
1) Usually use in civil disputes
2) A formal request for further information
* Answers can be used in court!
What is a deposition?
1) Witness testimony given under oath
2) Usually part of pre-trial
Is a deposition one way or a two-way Q&A?
One way, plaintiff –> defendant or defendant –> plaintiff
What are the two types of summons?
1) Judicial
2) Administrative
What is a judicial summons?
A legal document issued by a court
What is an administrative summons?
A legal document issued by another government agency
What is service of process?
Giving official legal notice to someone
When is a police officer immune from civil liability?
1) Acting within the scope of their duties
2) Engaged in the discharge of government duties
3) Conduct does not amount to gross negligence
What are the two amendments that cause my civil liability for police officers?
1st and 4th
What are the consequences of be subject to civil liability as a police officer?
1) Internal investigation
2) Civil damages
3) Criminal charges
What are other common reasons police are sued?
1) Unreasonable use of force
2) Violation of department policy
3) Violation of constitutional rights (search and seizure)
What is an intentional tort?
1) Intentional act
2) Failure to take action
3) Non-criminal action
What is a constitutional tort?
1) Violation of the constitutional right of another
2) Non criminal action
* Bad, but will not land you in jail