Legal Terms Flashcards
Writ of Certiorari
The Supreme Court’s acceptance of a case for reive rat the discretion of 4 justices.
Writ of Habeas Corpus
An order by a judge to have an accused person brought from prison to the court to determine if their detention was arbitrary.
Writ of Appeal
The Supreme Court’s acceptance of a case for review as a matter of right, where the Court feels it has no choice.
Writ of Mandamus
An order issued by a court of superior jurisdiction, commanding performance of a particular act by an inferior court or public official.
Writ
A written court order directing a person to perform/refrain from performing a specific act.
Subpoena
A written legal notice requiring a person to appear in court/give testimony or produce documentary evidence.
Probable Cause
Reasonable belief that a crime has been committed- the basis for all lawful searches.
Misdemeanor
Criminal offense that is less than a felony, and punishable by less than a year in prison.
Litigant
A person or group engaged in a lawsuit.
Judgement
The final determination/verdict by a court.
Indictment
Written accusation of a grand jury charging a crime.
Felony
A serious criminal offense for which the minimum sentence is 1 year.
Due Process
The constitutional guarantee that an accused person receives a fair/impartial trial.
Docket
Book containing entries of all proceedings in a court.
Corpus Delicti
The body/material substance upon which a crime has been committed. (Ex.: murdered corpse, charred remains from arson, etc.)
