Rights and Liberties (6th Amendment) Flashcards
Criminal Courts
Judicial bodies responsible for hearing and deciding criminal cases.
Adjudication
The legal process of resolving a dispute or determining guilt or innocence.
Arraignment
Formal reading of charges and entry of a plea in front of a judge.
Guilty Plea
Defendant’s admission of guilt to the charges, waiving the right to a trial.
Not Guilty Plea
Defendant’s denial of guilt, leading to a trial to determine innocence or guilt.
Bond Order (Bail)
Court-ordered financial security allowing a defendant’s release from custody pending trial.
Plea Bargains
Negotiated agreements between the prosecution and defense, often involving a reduced charge or sentence.
Burden of Proof
The responsibility to present evidence and prove the case, usually borne by the prosecution.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
The high standard of proof required for a criminal conviction.
Jury Trial
A trial in which a group of citizens determines the verdict based on evidence presented.
Bench Trial
A trial in which a judge, rather than a jury, decides the verdict.
Acquittal
A judgment of not guilty, resulting in the defendant’s exoneration.
Conviction
A judgment of guilt after a trial or plea.
Sentencing
The determination of the punishment for a convicted defendant.
Appeals
Requests for a higher court to review and possibly change a lower court’s decision.
Corrections
The system of managing individuals convicted of crimes, including prisons and probation.
Mass Incarceration
The substantial number of individuals in prison, often due to harsh sentencing policies.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Legally mandated minimum prison terms for certain offenses, limiting judicial discretion
Non-Violent Crimes
Offenses that do not involve the use of force or the threat of force against others.
Right to a Speedy and Public Trial
The right of the accused to a timely and public court proceeding.
Right to Confront Witnesses
The right of the accused to cross-examine and challenge witnesses against them.
Right to Counsel (an Attorney)
The right of the accused to have legal representation during criminal proceedings.
Right to an Impartial Jury
The right of the accused to be judged by a fair and unbiased jury.
