Final Exam Study Guide

Tuesday, December 8th, 2026

What does it mean to appeal?

look at whether the proceedings during the case were constitutional

if you plead guilty, you are waving your right to appeal

What are the two options of appeals?

affirm the verdict: the verdict was correct; the trial cannot be redone

reversal of the verdict: found someone problematic, and the case can be redone

Who must make the call as to how a person dies?

coroner or doctor (MD)

What does a homicide detective do?

determine if another person was involved in the death

What are the ways people die?

• natural causes

• undetermined

• accidental

• suicide

• homocide

What is homocide?

one human being taking the life of another human being

includes murder, manslaughter, justifiable, and accidental homicide

What is first degree murder?

act of killing another human being with malice or forethought, premeditated, and willfully committing the act

What is second degree murder?

killing of another human being with malice, WITHOUT forethought, premeditation, or willfulness

all other kinds of murder

What is voluntary manslaughter?

one being killing another human being during a heat of passion

What is involuntary manslaughter?

one being killing another human being as a result of negligence/a negligent act, there is no intent to kill

What is justifiable homocide?

not a crime, done to protect oneself or another

What is accidental homocide?

not a crime, an accident