Civics and Citizenship

Miscarriage of justice

A failure in the court or judicial system that has led to a just conclusion, often one where the wrong person is convicted

4 principles of justice

all individuals are equal before the law, individuals have the right to fair hearing, the judiciary is independent and impartial and individuals have the right to reasonable appeal

Statute law

the laws written by either federal or state government and created as a bill that must be passed to become an act

common law

Law that develops through repetitive disputes that follow a precedent

rule of law

all people are equal before the law and must obey it

criminal law

protects innocent individuals from wrong doers.

civil law

deals with non-criminal disputes, it allows a person to bring actions against other people for civil wrong.

trial

A formal examination of evidence by a judge/jury, in order to decide guilt or liability in a criminal or civil case.

coercison

the act of forcing or compelling someone to act against their will

the presumption of innocence

The fundamental legal principle that states that a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty

judiciary

The branch of government consisting of court system and judges.

appeal

to apply to a higher court to challenge the lower courts decision.

Hierarchy of courts

the power of the courts

Levels of hierachy

high, supreme, federal and family, county, district and federal magistrates, and local magistrates

corruption

dishonest conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery