Key Terms Glossary - Criminal Law

Question 1

Offence

Answer 1

Crime

Question 2

Charge

Answer 2

When the police accuse someone of committing a crime

Question 3

CPS (Crown Prosecution Service)

Answer 3

The group who decide if a charge should be brought

Question 4

Bail

Answer 4

Being given freedom between the time you are charged and the trial

Question 5

Remand (in custody)

Answer 5

Staying in custody between the time you are charged and the trial

Question 6

Convicted/Conviction

Answer 6

The verdict where D is found guilty

Question 7

Acquitted/Acquittal

Answer 7

The verdict where D is found not guilty

Question 8

Sentence

Answer 8

Punishment given to D after a conviction

Question 9

Magistrates

Answer 9

Three lay people who decide the verdict and sentence (up to 6 months) in the Magistrates Court

Question 10

Jury

Answer 10

The 12 people who decide the verdict in the Crown Court - indictable or triable either way cases

Question 11

Judge

Answer 11

Person who advises the jury on points of law, and decides a sentence in the Crown Court

Question 12

Prosecution

Answer 12

People proving the case against D at trial - they have the burden

Question 13

V (victim)

Answer 13

The person who was allegedly wronged in some way