Unit 3 - Criminal Trial Terms (Part I)

Question 1

[Finish the statement] In a criminal trial, the burden of proof is on the crown to prove guilt of the accused….

Answer 1

beyond a reasonable doubt

Question 2

Information (evidence) given by a person who witnessed the event in question is known as

Answer 2

Direct Evidence

Question 3

Information (evidence) that relates only indirectly to the alleged offence is known as

Answer 3

Circumstantial Evidence

Question 4

Lawyers from both sides prior to a trial are allowed to dismiss witnesses using this term.

Answer 4

A peremptory challenge

Question 5

In order to be part of jury duty, three elements must exist, what are they?

Answer 5

1. Be 18 years old
2. Be a Canadian Citizen
3. Be on the voters list

Question 6

Information (evidence) that shows that the accused has previously committed a similar offence is known as

Answer 6

Similar Fact Evidence

Question 7

Information not coming from the direct, personal experience or knowledge of the witness is known as

Answer 7

Hearsay Evidence

Question 8

Evidence based on the thoughts of the witness is known as

Answer 8

Opinion Evidence

Question 9

Evidence of the person’s character traits can be prejudicial and is therefore restricted in its use is known as

Answer 9

Character Evidence

Question 10

This device is considered Considered to be Hearsay and is inadmissible as evidence.

Answer 10

Polygraph machine

Question 11

This person has full control of the courtroom

Answer 11

Judge

Question 12

The person in the courtroom who looks after all of the files is located right in front of the judge

Answer 12

Court Clerk

Question 13

The person in the courtroom who is responsible for recording all spoken evidence, questions, and comments made during a trial. Is right in front of the judge

Answer 13

Court Reporter

Question 14

Responsible for the duties of the legal process in the court. This person may be beside the judge in court

Answer 14

Bailiff

Question 15

The lawyer(s) who represents the government in a criminal trial. They are always seated on the side of the witness stand

Answer 15

Crown Attorney

Question 16

The lawyer(s) who represents the person accused of committing an offence

Answer 16

Defense Attorney

Question 17

the person charged with committing an offence located in the prisoners dock

Answer 17

Accused

Question 18

a group of 12 citizens who decide on the guilt or innocence of an accused person. Only in superior court

Answer 18

Jury

Question 19

A person called to give evidence in the trial

Answer 19

witness

Question 20

When you are arrested, you are read this

Answer 20

Charter Rights Warning

Question 21

This is usually posted in a pre-trial to allow the accused to be let out of jail under specific conditions

Answer 21

Bail

Question 22

This is the type of judge that looks over the pre-trial

Answer 22

Master

Question 23

In order to avoid going to trial or being arrested, a person can set up this with the police or crown attornies.

Answer 23

Plea Bargain

Question 24

If an individual is an indigenous Canadian, they can ask for one of these instead of a trial

Answer 24

Sentencing Circle

Question 25

The first thing that happens in a trial after the judge has sat down is this

Answer 25

Arraignment

Question 26

If the witness knowingly lies on the stand, he or she can be convicted of this

Answer 26

Perjury

Question 27

This can be used to prove someone was somewhere else when the crime had been committed

Answer 27

Alibi

Question 28

Which side reads their opening submission first and reads their closing statements last in a trial

Answer 28

Crown Attorney

Question 29

When there is no UNANIMOUS consent in a jury vote, it is called

Answer 29

A hung jury

Question 30

This is given by the judge or jury at the end of a trial in regards to the court case that was just heard.

Answer 30

Verdict

Question 31

What are the two outcomes after a verdict has been given?

Answer 31

1. A conviction is decided upon (guilty)

2. An acquittal is decided upon (not guilty)

Question 32

While incarcerated, criminals can be let out early. This is called

Answer 32

Parole

Question 33

Both lawyers get to introduce witnesses from their side and ask questions. These questions are called

Answer 33

Direct Questions

Question 34

Both lawyers get to question witnesses prepared by their ‘friends’ on the other side. These questions are called

Answer 34

Cross-Examination Question

Question 35

The rows of benches in a courtroom, where sometimes the court artist will be seated is called this

Answer 35

Public Seating Area