| A | B |
|---|
| Beyond a reasonable doubt | Requirement that the prosecutor or state must convince a jury of a person's guilt to a moral certainty |
| Misdemeanor | A minor crime punishable by a fine or light jail term |
| felony | serious crime, punishable by imprisonment for more than one year |
| criminal law | laws that regulate public conduct. where an individual has commited a crime |
| self-incrimination | being forced or coerced to testify against oneself. Prohibited by the 5th amendment |
| petit jury | group of people who examine the facts presented at a trial and determine which party should win |
| grand jury | group of peple who hear preliminary evidence to decide if there is sufficient reason to charge someone with a crime |
| defendant | person who is accused of breaking the law |
| prosecutor | person who represents the government (state) and tries to convict the individual accused of a crime |
| plea bargain | negotiations between the prosecution and defense in which a guilty plea is exchanged for a lesser charge |
| probably cause | reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime |
| indictment | a grand jury's formal charge or accusation of criminal action |
| double jeopardy | the state, prosecutor, cannot try an individual twice if he has already been found NOT guilty for a crime |
| due process of law | all Americans must receive fair treatment through our legal system. Our goverment must follow the letter of the law |
| counsel | when a lawyer gives advice to someone |
| search warrant | legal document signed by a judge authorizing the search of a person, location, or vehicle for evidence |
| arraignment | accused person's appearance before a judge at which time he pleads guilty or innocent |
| perjury | the act of lying under oath |
| bail | money or property given to a court as a guarantee that an accused person will show up to court |
