Criminal Justice LAP 4

Adversarial system

A legal system where two opposing sides (prosecution and defense) present their cases to an impartial judge or jury.

Bench trial

A trial decided by a judge alone, without a jury.

Habeas corpus

A legal order requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge to determine if the detention is lawful.

Voir dire

The process of questioning potential jurors to determine if they are suitable and unbiased.

Challenge for cause

A request to dismiss a potential juror because of a specific reason showing bias or inability to serve fairly.

Peremptory challenge

A request to dismiss a potential juror without stating a reason.

Sequester

To isolate the jury from outside influence during a trial.

Summons

An official order requiring someone to appear in court.

Subpoena

A court order requiring someone to appear in court or produce evidence (like documents or records).

Circumstantial Evidence

Indirect evidence that implies a fact but does not prove it directly (for example, seeing someone leave a crime scene).

Perjury

Lying under oath while testifying in court.

Redirect (Examination)

When the lawyer who first questioned a witness asks more questions after cross-examination to clarify or repair testimony.

Recall

To bring a witness back to the stand to ask additional questions.

Hearsay

A statement made outside of court that is presented as evidence to prove the truth of the matter stated; usually not allowed as evidence.

Speculation

When a witness guesses or gives opinions about things they don't actually know; not allowed in testimony.

Badgering

When a lawyer harasses or intimidates a witness during questioning; the opposing attorney can object to this.

Relevancy

Evidence must relate directly to the case or issue being discussed to be admissible in court.

Sustained

The judge agrees with an objection, stopping the question or statement from continuing.

Overruled

The judge disagrees with an objection, allowing the question or statement to continue.

Jury Instructions

Directions given by the judge to the jury explaining the laws that apply and how they should evaluate the evidence before making a verdict.

Verdict

The formal decision or finding made by a jury (or judge in a bench trial) about whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty.

Acquittal

A verdict that the defendant is not guilty of the charges.

Hung Jury

When the jury cannot reach a unanimous or required majority decision, leaving the case unresolved.

Mistrial

A trial that is invalid or inconclusive, often due to a procedural error, misconduct, or a hung jury; the case may be retried.

Supreme

The only court mentioned in the Constitution.

6th Amendment

The right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, to confront witnesses, and to have counsel for defense.

7th Amendment

The right to a trial by jury in civil cases at the federal level.

The Judiciary Act of 1789

The law that formally established the dual court system.

District

One of the three levels of federal court.

Circuit

One of the three levels of federal court.

Jurisdiction

Four types of issues would be heard in federal court: Breaking a federal law, Constitutional issues, People of/between two states (or countries), If the case is US vs ....

Civil cases

The most common types of trials in Federal and state cases.

Prosecutor jobs outside court

Help pick the jury, overseeing investigations, making charging decisions, negotiating with defense attorneys, preparing for trial.

Prosecutor jobs during court

Presenting the case against the defendant, presenting opening and closing statements, examining witnesses, introducing evidence.

Defense attorney

Represents individuals accused of crimes, advising clients, investigating the case, building a legal strategy to protect their rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

BAKE

Factors attorneys might consider when questioning the jury pool: Background, Acquaintance, Knowledge of the case, and Experience similar to the case.

Juror requirements in Missouri

US Citizen, 21+ years old. Excusal: biasness, if you have vacation. You may get called back again in the next couple months.

Duration of juror service

1-2 days.

Juror compensation

Very little like 20 dollars and only if you are paid a wage (clockin).

Good opening statement

Includes elements like an Intro Paragraph, outlining facts of the crime, describing the defendant and (lack of?) motive, telling what happened- (lack of) means/opportunity, providing a road map of the trial, what evidence/witnesses will be presented, and how the burden of proof (not?) will be met.

Thesis in opening statement

S/he should (not?) be convicted.