Criminal Department

Question 1

Abode

Answer 1

Place of residence

Question 2

Atus Reus

Answer 2

The guilty deed or act

Question 3

Adjourn

Answer 3

Postpone the case til a later date

Question 4

Affidavit

Answer 4

A written statement of facts

Question 5

alibi

Answer 5

Evidence to prove the accused was not at the scene of a crime

Question 6

antecedence

Answer 6

A persons past history

Question 7

assault

Answer 7

intentional act which causes someone physical harm

Question 8

bail

Answer 8

release by police whilst they wait for a court date or investigation

Question 9

bench

Answer 9

How the tribunal of three lay magistrates sitting in court on a given day are referred to

Question 10

Bench warrant

Answer 10

An order issued by the court for the immediate arrest of someone

Question 11

brief

Answer 11

Written instructions to a barrister from solicitor arguing why the client should win

Question 12

circumstantial evidence

Answer 12

Evidence which cannot be seen by a witness but strongly suggests something.

Question 13

Commital

Answer 13

The process of sending a defendant to stand trial at the Crown court before a jury

Question 14

contempt of court

Answer 14

conduct which interferes with the administration of justice, such as refusing to answer questions before the court

Question 15

convicted

Answer 15

when found guilty

Question 16

counsel

Answer 16

a barrister

Question 17

custody

Answer 17

lawful imprisonment

Question 18

defendant

Answer 18

person who court proceedings are brought

Question 19

deponent

Answer 19

person who gives evidence by disposition

Question 20

dismissed

Answer 20

where the prosecution fails to prove its case beyond all reasonable doubt so the defendant is found not guilty and the case is dismissed

Question 21

duty solictitor

Answer 21

solicitor who is avaliable to give free advice in police station or at court

Question 22

either way offence

Answer 22

An offence which can be tried in the crown or magistrates court

Question 23

indictable offence

Answer 23

An offence which can only be tried in the crown court

Question 24

indictment

Answer 24

a document prepared by the prosecution detailing the offence with which a defendant is charged.

Question 25

jurat

Answer 25

A memorandum at the end of an addidavit which shows details of how the affidavit was sworn

Question 26

mens rea

Answer 26

guilty mind

Question 27

mitigation

Answer 27

A statement giving reasons for the offence. It aims to reduce the seriousness of the offence.

Question 28

Mode of trial

Answer 28

Determines whether a defendant charged with an either way offence will be charged in the magistrates or crown

Question 29

murder

Answer 29

when someone unlawfully kills someone

Question 30

plea

Answer 30

the defendants response to the charge (guilty or not guilty)

Question 31

prosecution

Answer 31

Prosecuting a case against an alleged offender or the name of the body conducting a case on behalf of the state.

Question 32

Regina

Answer 32

The queen in which all cases are against (regvina V ….)

Question 33

Remand

Answer 33

When someone remains in custody until there court date

Question 34

spent conviction

Answer 34

a previous conviction which no longer forms part of a persons criminal record as a certain period of time has passed

Question 35

subpoena

Answer 35

An order by the court for a person to appear in court & give evidence

Question 36

summons

Answer 36

A court order for someone to appear in court