criminal court exam 2

Courtroom Workgroup

A collective of court actors including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, jurors, court administrators, and interpreters, who work together to process cases in court.

Prosecutors

Courtroom workgroup members responsible for bringing charges against defendants, representing the government in court, and managing the court's caseload.

U.S. Attorney General

The chief law enforcement officer of the federal government, responsible for representing the U.S. in legal matters and setting law enforcement priorities.

Indigent Defense

Legal assistance provided to defendants who cannot afford an attorney, mandated by the Supreme Court in Gideon v. Wainwright.

Victim Rights

Legally recognized rights ensuring that crime victims are informed, allowed to attend court proceedings, and able to express their views in the justice process.

Plea Bargaining

A negotiation process in criminal cases where defendants agree to plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence or reduced charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys

Federal prosecutors who handle daily operations of prosecutions under the supervision of U.S. Attorneys.

Charging Decision

The prosecutor’s choice whether to file criminal charges against a suspect and determining the specific charges to file.

Public Defenders

Attorneys hired by the government to represent indigent defendants in criminal cases, often underfunded and overworked.

Judicial Independence

The ability of judges to make decisions free from outside influences and pressures from other government branches or public opinion.

Judicial Accountability

The obligation of judges to be monitored and removed from office if they do not meet acceptable performance standards.

Merit Selection Plans

A method of selecting judges based on legal qualifications and abilities, after which judges face retention elections.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys

Prosecutors that assist chief prosecutors in carrying out day-to-day operations and handling cases.

Compulsory Process Clause

A clause in the Sixth Amendment enabling defendants to compel witnesses to testify on their behalf at trial.

Horizontal Prosecution

A method where prosecutors are assigned to specific stages of the prosecution process, increasing efficiency in handling multiple cases.

Vertical Prosecution

A method where a single prosecutor manages all aspects of a case from charge to trial, fostering strong relationships with victims and witnesses.

Victim Assistance Programs

Services aimed at helping crime victims navigate the court process, understand their rights, and receive support during legal proceedings.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

A landmark Supreme Court case establishing the right to counsel for defendants unable to afford an attorney.

Bail Reform

Legislative changes aimed at altering the monetary bail system to reduce pretrial detention and enhance fairness in the criminal justice system.

Judicial Performance Evaluations (JPEs)

Assessments used to evaluate judges' performance, intended to inform voters and increase accountability.

District Attorneys

Chief local prosecutors in state courts who oversee the prosecution of criminal cases within their jurisdiction.

Victim Impact Statements

Statements made by victims during trials or sentencing, expressing the impact of the crime on their lives and well-being.

Compulsory Process Clause

The Sixth Amendment right granting defendants the power to secure witnesses for their defense.

Due Process Clause

The clause that ensures fairness in judicial proceedings and protects defendants' rights during the criminal justice process.

Judicial Selection

The various methods used to appoint judges, including appointments, popular elections, and merit selection.

Prosecutorial Discretion

The authority granted to prosecutors to decide whether to charge a suspect and what charges to bring.

Pretrial Release Determinations

Judicial decisions regarding whether to grant bail or other release conditions to defendants pending trial.

Right to Counsel

The constitutional guarantee that defendants have the right to legal representation in criminal prosecutions.

Victims' Rights Movement

An initiative aimed at advocating and ensuring rights and support for victims of crime within the criminal justice system.

Judges' Roles

Judges preside over legal proceedings, interpret laws, and make decisions on cases at various stages of the judicial process.

Trial Judge

The judge who is assigned to oversee a trial, making rulings on evidence and instructing jurors.