Intro To Law Final

Affidavit

A written statement of facts sworn to or made under oath before someone authorized to administer oaths.

Alibi

An excuse that a person was somewhere else at the time a crime was committed.

Allegation

A criminal accusation that has not been proven.

Arbitration

A way of settling a dispute without going to trial with a third person deciding for them.

Arraignment

A court session at which a defendant is charged and enters a plea.

Commute

To change a sentence to another less severe sentence.

Confession

An accused person’s voluntary admission of wrongdoing.

Corroborate

To confirm information.

Cross examination

The questioning of the opposing side’s witnesses during a hearing or trial.

Direct examination

The questioning of a witness by the side calling the witness.

Discovery

Advance sharing of information to enable case preparation.

Disposition

The final sentence or result of the case.

Deposition

Testimony given out of court.

Immunity

Freedom or protection from penalties or prosecution.

Indictment

A grand jury’s formal charge or accusation of criminal action.

Adjudication

A formal judgement on a disputed matter.

Mediation

Process of resolving a dispute through a third person who guides discussion but does not make a decision for them.

Voir dire

The screening process of prospective jurors by the opposing lawyers.

Waive

To give up some right, privilege or benefit voluntarily.

Writ

A judge's order or authorization for something to be done.

Circumstantial evidence

Evidence that proves the facts indirectly by proof of a chain of events or circumstances that show the defendant’s guilt.

Duress

Presenting evidence that the defendant committed a criminal act because they were forced, threatened, or coerced.

Impeachment

Calling into question the credibility of the prosecution’s/plaintiff’s witnesses’ testimony.

Rebuttal

A counter argument or presentation disproving evidence.

Prosecutor

The accuser in a criminal case.

Plaintiff

The accuser in a civil case.

Beyond a reasonable doubt

The burden of proof in a criminal trial.

Preponderance of evidence

The burden of proof in a civil trial.

Aggravating Circumstances

Justify harsher penalties.

Mitigating Circumstances

Justify lenient treatment.

Plea Bargaining

Compromise between prosecution and defense of a lesser charge or reduced penalty in exchange for a guilty plea or no contest plea.

Exclusionary Rule

Evidence collected in violation of the Constitution is not admissible in court.