Multicultural Zoot Suits vocab: Act 1

Magical Realism

A genre that includes magical elements that are unexplained and accepted as normal

Existentialism

A perspective that focuses on the individual and how he/she sees and experiences the world

Sensationalism

The use of exciting or shocking headlines and stories to attract attention that might not be entirely accurate

profane

A person, behavior, or language that is not respectful

reverential

Expressing or showing respect or honor

lurid

Causing horror or revulsion; shocking

pensive

Thoughtful; deep in thought

malcontent

A person who holds a grudge or is actively opposed to order or government

farce

An empty or ridiculous act; a meaningless action

Grand Jury

A jury of about 23 people to decide whether a case has enough validity to go to trial

People's lawyer

A lawyer who is willing to risk his/her reputation and income by representing unpopular clients and causes

retain

Paying to a lawyer to secure their services in future or current legal matters

District Attorney

A publicly elected official who is the lawyer for state or federal government

indictment

A formal and official charge for a serious crime from the decision made by the Grand Jury

remand to custody

Kept in jail or prison until they can be given a trial

assignment of misconduct

Reporting the willful or purposeful failure to do one's job

mass trial

When a trial contains multiple defendants, issues, and complex situations

ad hoc

Formed or used for the specific or immediate problem

fascist

A person who puts the nation or race above the individual

subversive

Attempting to overthrow or undermine an authority

patsy

A person who is easily manipulated

proletariat

The class made up of industrial workers; usually lower socioeconomic status

infamous

Known because of doing something evil

disreputable

Disgraceful or shameful

exploit

To take unfair advantage of another

self incrimination

Making statements that will show the person is guilty

coercion

forcing a person to something often using threats

nefarious

Extremely wicked or evil

hysteria

Behavior that shows overwhelming fear

verdict

The formal decision given by the court - guilty or innocent

overruled

To decide that the lawyer's objection is not necessary or relevant

sustained

To decide that the lawyer's objection is necessary or relevant

contempt

Disobedience in a courtroom or of a court order

appeal

Asking a higher court to review a lower court's ruling or decision