Terminology Test Flashcards
Tunnel Vision
Unconscious filtering; Participants in the system, such as police or prosecutors, to focus on a particular theory of a case and to dismiss or undervalue evidence which contradicts that theory
Precedent
Stare decisis; Judge made law - lower courts are to follow the authority (cases) of higher courts
Intra Vires
Functioning within legislative power
Stare Decisis
Ruling to be followed; A precedent or decision of one court binds a lower court
Inchoate Offence
An attempt to commit an offence; A preliminary crime.
Mens Rea
Guilty mind
Onus
Burden of Proof
Actus Reus
Guilty Act
Inducements
Inducing an accused to make a statement or admission; persuasion
Bench Warrant
Warrant for arrest issued by a judiciary for an accused to be arrested and brought to court
Plain View Doctrine
Allows an officer to seize evidence and contraband that are found in plain view during a lawful observation.
Information to obtain
A document filed by a police officer to a Judge seeking authorization to obtain a search warrant
Tertiary Grounds
Tertiary grounds refers to any other “just cause” being shown, where detention is necessary in order to maintain confidence in the administration of justice.
Habeas Corpus
A fundamental right in the Constitution that protects against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment. if granted would compel a prison official to “produce the body” and justify authority for why a person is being detained.
Primary Grounds
Whether detention is necessary to ensure the accused’s attendance in court.
Surety
A person who comes to court and promises to supervise an accused person while they are out on bail. A surety also promises an amount of money to the court if the accused doesn’t follow one or more of the bail conditions or doesn’t show up to court when required.
Competence
The ability to advocate for a client and having knowledge or taking steps to gain the knowledge to defend a case; Suitability & fitness
Subpoena
A document that compels an individual to attend court to provide testimony relating to a court case; given under a threat or a penalty.
Compellability
A person being subject to testify in proceedings under legal compulsion.
Spousal Privilege
Protects communications privately disclosed between a husband and wife. Either spouse may invoke the privilege and prevent the other from testifying about their private marital communications in a civil or criminal matter.
Viva Voce
Oral evidence.
“WIll Say” statement
A statement summarizing what a witness “will say” at a court hearing.
Charge Screening Form
A document that outlines the crowns position and election by way of how they will proceed w/ the charge(s).
Inculpatory
Incriminating evidence against the accused.