Video: Courts, Law, Forensics, and Bill of Rights - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering roles in court, types of law and crimes, key legal terms, and basic Bill of Rights concepts from the lecture notes.

Judge

The person who presides over a court, interprets the law, ensures fair proceedings, and may sentence in criminal cases.

Jury

A group of citizens who decide the facts of a case and deliver a verdict in certain trials.

Witness

A person who provides testimony and evidence in court.

Prosecutor (Attorney for the Government)

Represents the state/government in a criminal case, arguing for the government’s case against the defendant.

Plaintiff (Civil) / Prosecutor (Criminal)

The party that initiates a civil lawsuit or the government’s attorney in a criminal case.

Defendant (Criminal) / Respondent (Civil)

The party accused of a crime or the party responding to a civil lawsuit.

Civil Law

Law that regulates relations between people or organizations, typically solved through lawsuits.

Criminal Law

Law that defines crimes and punishes conduct against society; divided into felonies and misdemeanors.

Felony

An offense punishable by a year or more in prison.

Misdemeanor

An offense punishable by up to one year in prison.

Larceny

Unlawful taking of someone else’s property with intent to permanently deprive.

Battery

Intentional and unlawful physical contact or harm to another person.

Vandalism

Deliberate destruction or damaging of property.

Underage drinking / liquor law violation

Violation of laws prohibiting alcohol consumption by persons under the legal drinking age.

Drug abuse violations

Possession, distribution, or manufacturing of illegal drugs.

Motor vehicle theft (GTA)

Theft of a motor vehicle.

Trespassing

Entering another person’s property without permission.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Unintentional killing due to reckless or negligent conduct.

Accessory to manslaughter / hiding evidence

A person who assists, participates in, or conceals a crime leading to death.

Discrimination

Unfair or unequal treatment of individuals based on protected characteristics.

Disorderly conduct

Conduct that disturbs public peace or order. (Includes related disorderly behavior in some cases.)

Private property rights

The concept that property owners may use and control their property, within legal limits.

Manslaughter

Unlawful killing of a person without the intent to kill (broader category than involuntary).

Identity theft

Stealing someone’s personal information to commit fraud.

Harassment

Aggressive pressure or intimidation toward another person.

Prosecution

Lawyers representing the government against a person in a criminal case.

Defense

The lawyers and arguments representing the accused or a defendant in a case.

Trial Court

A court of original jurisdiction where most criminal and civil cases begin.

Appellate Court

A court that reviews the procedures and decisions of trial courts for fairness and proper application of the law.

Civil Law (definition concept)

Law regulating relations between people or groups (e.g., lawsuits).

Criminal Law (definition concept)

Law regulating conduct and duties owed to society; includes felonies and misdemeanors.

Trial Court (definition)

The court of first instance where a case is heard and decided.

Appellate Court (definition)

The court that reviews trial court decisions for errors of law or procedure.

State Court Structure

Trial Court → Appellate Court → State Supreme Court.

Federal Court Structure

District Court → Circuit Court of Appeals → Supreme Court.

Amendment 1 (First Amendment)

Establishment of religion, free exercise; freedom of speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Amendment 2 (Second Amendment)

Right to keep and bear arms.

Amendment 3 (Third Amendment)

No soldier quartered in homes without owner’s consent.

Amendment 4 (Fourth Amendment)

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants require probable cause.

Amendment 5 (Fifth Amendment)

Due process; protection against self-incrimination; double jeopardy; eminent domain.

Amendment 6 (Sixth Amendment)

Right to a speedy and public trial, to be informed of charges, to confront witnesses, to obtain witnesses, and to counsel.

Amendment 7 (Seventh Amendment)

Right to a jury trial in civil cases in federal court.

Amendment 8 (Eighth Amendment)

Protection against cruel and unusual punishment; excessive fines and bail.

Amendment 9 (Ninth Amendment)

The enumeration of rights in the Constitution does not deny other rights retained by the people.

Amendment 10 (Tenth Amendment)

Powers not delegated to the U.S. are reserved to the states or the people.