Rights and Liberties (5th Amendment) Flashcards
Criminal Justice
The system of law enforcement, courts, and corrections involved in apprehending, prosecuting, and punishing those who violate criminal laws.
Civil Law
The branch of law dealing with non-criminal matters, often involving disputes between individuals or organizations seeking legal remedies.
Law Enforcement
Agencies and individuals responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing laws
Infractions
Minor offenses, typically punishable by fines rather than imprisonment.
Misdemeanors
Less serious criminal offenses, usually resulting in less severe penalties than felonies.
Felonies
Serious criminal offenses, often punishable by imprisonment for one year or more.
Felony/Misdemeanor
Categorization of crimes based on their severity, with felonies being more serious than misdemeanors.
Probable Cause
Reasonable belief that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime exists, justifying law enforcement action.
Arrest Warrant
A court-issued authorization allowing law enforcement to arrest a specific person.
Search Warrant
Court-issued authorization allowing law enforcement to conduct a search for evidence.
Prosecutor
A legal professional responsible for bringing criminal charges against a defendant on behalf of the government.
District Attorney
A public official who represents the government in the prosecution of criminal offenses.
Defense Attorney
A legal professional who represents the accused and defends their rights in criminal proceedings.
Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
Established the requirement for law enforcement to inform individuals of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, during custodial interrogations.
Goss v. Lopez (1975)
Defined due process rights for students facing suspension from public schools.
Public Defender
A government-appointed attorney who represents individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney.
Defendant
An individual accused of a crime and facing legal proceedings.
Capital Crime
A serious crime, often punishable by death or life imprisonment.
Grand Jury
A group of citizens convened to review evidence and determine whether there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges.
Indictment
A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, usually issued by a grand jury.
Double Jeopardy
The legal principle that protects individuals from being tried for the same offense twice.
Right Against Self-Incrimination
The right to remain silent and not testify against oneself, protected under the Fifth Amendment.
Due Process
The legal requirement that the government must respect an individual’s rights and follow fair procedures before depriving them of life, liberty, or property.
Eminent Domain
The government’s power to take private property for public use, with compensation to the owner.
