American Crime in Time UNIT 2 EXAM

Autopsy

A medical examination of a body to find the cause of death

Alibi

Proof a person was elsewhere when a crime occurred

Closing Argument

The final speech made by attorneys summarizing their case

Compromised

Weakened or exposed to risk; unreliable

Contradictory

Two pieces of evidence or testimony that conflict

Discrepancy

difference between pieces of information that should match.

District Attorney

Government lawyer in criminal cases

Evidence

Any object, testimony, or data used to prove a fact in court

Fifth Amendment

Protects individuals from self-incrimination.

Grand Jury

Citizens who decide if there’s enough evidence for formal charges.

Interrogate

To question someone thoroughly, often by police.

Motive

The reason a person commits a crime

Prosecutor

Government’s attorney bringing the case against the accused

Reasonable Doubt

The level of uncertainty that must exist for a ‘not guilty’ verdict.

Sixth Amendment

Ensures the right to a fair, speedy trial with a lawyer.

Testify

Giving a statement under oath in court

Independence, MO

Starting point of the journey on the Oregon Trail.

Fort Laramie

Rest stop for repairs and supplies; gathered trail news

Little Sandy River, WY

The group split; Donner/Reed took the new route.

Fort Bridger

Advised to take Hastings Cutoff, thought to be a shortcut.

Hastings Cutoff

Difficult shortcut through Utah mountains and desert.

Great Salt Lake Desert, UT

Brutal crossing; oxen died, supplies abandoned.

Truckee Lake (Donner Lake)

Trapped by snow; starvation and freezing occurred

Sutter’s Fort

Survivors finally reached safety in California.

George Donner

Leader; stranded near Alder Creek; died during the ordeal.

Patrick Breen

Kept a diary documenting daily hardships.

James F. Reed

Banished early but returned with rescue parties.

Elizabeth Graves

Endured starvation and loss of family

Franklin Graves

Tried to lead rescue efforts; family suffered greatly.

Margaret Reed

Helped her children survive; reunited with her husband.