Introduction to criminal law and the courts

Question 1

What is the definition of ‘plaintiff’?

Answer 1

A plaintiff is a person who brings a case against another in a court of law.

Question 2

What role does a ‘defendant’ play in a legal case?

Answer 2

A defendant is an individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.

Question 3

What is ‘jurisdiction’?

Answer 3

Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear a case and make a legal decision.

Question 4

What is a ‘tort’?

Answer 4

A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another, leading to legal liability.

Question 5

What does ‘burden of proof’ mean?

Answer 5

The burden of proof is the obligation to prove one’s assertion in a legal case.

Question 6

What is the purpose of a ‘writ’?

Answer 6

A writ is a formal written order issued by a court requiring the performance of a specific act.

Question 7

What does ‘appeal’ mean in legal terms?

Answer 7

An appeal is a request made to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.

Question 8

What is ‘precedent’?

Answer 8

Precedent is a legal principle established in previous court rulings that guides future cases.

Question 9

What is the function of a ‘judge’?

Answer 9

A judge presides over court proceedings, ensuring the law is followed and making rulings on legal issues.

Question 10

What is meant by ‘due process’?

Answer 10

Due process is the legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.

Question 11

What is ‘discovery’ in legal proceedings?

Answer 11

Discovery is the pre-trial process where parties obtain evidence from each other.

Question 12

What is the role of a ‘barrister’?

Answer 12

A barrister is a lawyer who represents clients in court and provides expert legal advice.

Question 13

What does ‘pro bono’ mean?

Answer 13

Pro bono refers to legal services provided voluntarily and without payment.

Question 14

What is a ‘contract’?

Answer 14

A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

Question 15

What is ‘negligence’?

Answer 15

Negligence is the failure to take proper care in doing something, resulting in damage or injury.

Question 16

What does ‘litigation’ refer to?

Answer 16

Litigation refers to the process of taking legal action in a court.

Question 17

What is the role of a ‘solicitor’?

Answer 17

A solicitor is a lawyer who provides legal advice and may represent clients in lower courts.

Question 18

What is an ‘indictment’?

Answer 18

An indictment is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

Question 19

What is the purpose of a ‘summary judgment’?

Answer 19

Summary judgment is a legal decision made by a court without a full trial.

Question 20

What is ‘double jeopardy’?

Answer 20

Double jeopardy is the legal principle that prohibits an individual from being tried twice for the same offense.

Question 21

What is a ‘statute’?

Answer 21

A statute is a written law passed by a legislative body.

Question 22

What does ‘criminal law’ encompass?

Answer 22

Criminal law encompasses laws that define crimes and punishments for those crimes.

Question 23

What is ‘civil law’?

Answer 23

Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, seeking compensation or specific performances.

Question 24

What does ‘evidence’ refer to in a legal context?

Answer 24

Evidence refers to information presented in court to support or refute a claim.

Question 25

What is the function of a 'jury'?

Answer 25

A jury is a group of people sworn to render a verdict in a legal case based on evidence presented.

Question 26

What is 'sentencing'?

Answer 26

Sentencing is the judicial process of determining the punishment for a convicted individual.

Question 27

What does 'amicus curiae' mean?

Answer 27

Amicus curiae refers to a person or group that offers information or advice to a court on a matter of law.

Question 28

What is a 'plea bargain'?

Answer 28

A plea bargain is an agreement in which a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.

Question 29

What does 'habeas corpus' mean?

Answer 29

Habeas corpus is a legal principle that protects against unlawful detention.

Question 30

What is 'subpoena'?

Answer 30

A subpoena is a document that orders an individual to appear in court or produce evidence.

Question 31

What does 'settlement' mean in legal terms?

Answer 31

A settlement is an agreement reached between parties to resolve a dispute without going to trial.

Question 32

What is 'intellectual property'?

Answer 32

Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols.

Question 33

What is the difference between 'felony' and 'misdemeanor'?

Answer 33

A felony is a serious crime typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, while a misdemeanor is a less serious crime with lighter penalties.

Question 34

What is 'contempt of court'?

Answer 34

Contempt of court is a legal finding that someone has disobeyed or shown disrespect for a court's authority.

Question 35

What is the role of a 'court clerk'?

Answer 35

A court clerk manages court records, schedules hearings, and provides administrative support to the court.

Question 36

What does 'prosecutor' mean?

Answer 36

A prosecutor is a legal representative who brings charges against a defendant in a criminal case.

Question 37

What is meant by 'legal precedent'?

Answer 37

Legal precedent refers to a previous case or legal decision that influences future cases with similar circumstances.

Question 38

What is 'mediation'?

Answer 38

Mediation is a method of resolving disputes where a neutral third party helps the parties reach an agreement.

Question 39

What does 'testimony' refer to?

Answer 39

Testimony is a formal statement made by a witness under oath in a court of law.

Question 40

What is 'probation'?

Answer 40

Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision in the community, instead of serving time in prison.

Question 41

What is 'arbitration'?

Answer 41

Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside of court, where an arbitrator makes a binding decision.

Question 42

What does 'litigant' mean?

Answer 42

A litigant is a person involved in a lawsuit, either as a plaintiff or a defendant.

Question 43

What is 'ex parte'?

Answer 43

Ex parte refers to legal proceedings or communications involving only one party, without the other party present.

Question 44

What does 'liability' mean?

Answer 44

Liability refers to legal responsibility for one's actions or omissions that cause harm or loss.

Question 45

What is 'damages' in legal terms?

Answer 45

Damages refer to monetary compensation awarded to a party for loss or injury.

Question 46

What is the purpose of 'judicial review'?

Answer 46

Judicial review is the power of courts to assess whether a law or government action is constitutional.

Question 47

What is a 'cause of action'?

Answer 47

A cause of action is a set of facts sufficient to justify a legal claim.

Question 48

What does 'waiver' mean in legal contexts?

Answer 48

A waiver is the voluntary relinquishment of a known right or privilege.