| A | B |
|---|
| Common Law | law from traditions, customs, & precedents |
| Statutory Law | regulations put forth by lawmaking govt body |
| Statutory Interpretation | judge makes decision on basis of law |
| Constitutional interpretation | judge decides law based on Constitution |
| Administrative law | rules & regulations government agencies use to carry out statutory law |
| Felony | major violation of criminal law - sentence to prison |
| Misdeameanor | minor violation of criminal law - sentence to jail |
| Plaintiff | party who brings legal action to court |
| Defendant | party accused of wrongful duty |
| County | unit of government directly below state government |
| Bail | money paid to guarantee a defendant will appear in court |
| Bond | money or collateral held to ensure an accused will appear in court |
| Indictment | Officially charging and naming individual in a crime |
| Grand Jury | panel of 12-23 that determines if enough evidence available for indictment |
| Information | formal written document issued to court charging an individual with a violation - used when no grand jury |
| Arraignment | defendant is formally charged |
| No Contest Plea | defendant states will not fight the charge - not guilty or innocent |
| Petit Jury | group of citizens that decide the verdict |
| Voir Dire | questioning of prospective juroros |
| Premptory Challenge | rejecting possible jurors without given reason |
| Sequester | to isolate a jury from the public |
| Subpoena | written order requiring one to appear in court |
| Hung Jury | jury that cannot reach a unanimous decision |
| Plea Bargain | negotiated agreement that the defendant will take to avoid tie, expense, or uncertain outcome of a trial |
| Probation | freedom granted to a person convicted - must meet certain conditions |
| Parole | early release from prison |
| Capital Punishment | death penalty |
| Juvenile Delinquent | young offender found guilty of an offense |
