Judiciary

Civil Case

Court cases involving a disagreement or contract violation

Criminal Case

Court cases involving harm against a person or property

Precedent

A legal decision that sets an example for all future legal decisions.

Probable Cause

A good reason.

Subpoena

A document that compels a person to testify in court.

Jail

Where someone is sent if s/he is sentenced to less than 365 days.

Prison

Where someone is sent if s/he is sentenced to more than 365 days.

Arraignment

A court hearing where an accused person pleads guilty or not guilty.

Courts of Appeals

There are twelve of these nationwide; they reexamine cases for errors of law.

District Courts

There are 94 of these nation wide

Felony

A major crime such as murder, rape or arson.

Grand Jury

A group of citizens who come together to review evidence and determine if there is probable cause to hold a trial.

Indictment

A formal accusation of committing a crime.

Misdemeanor

A minor crime like purse snatching.

Plea Bargaining

Negotiations in which a person accepts a charge of a lesser crime in order to not have a trial.