Exam 3 Study Guide: Youth and Legal Decisions

A set of 30 vocabulary flashcards focusing on the legal terms and concepts related to youth and legal decisions, including trial basics, jury selection, and insanity defenses.

Competence

A person’s ability to understand and participate in legal proceedings.

Insanity

Legal defense focused on the mental state at the time of the crime.

M’Naghten Rule

Insanity defense based on whether the person understood the nature or wrongfulness of their actions.

CST (Competency to Stand Trial)

Focus on the present—can the person assist in their own defense?

Challenge for Cause

Used when a juror is clearly biased.

Peremptory Challenge

Used to dismiss a juror without needing to state a reason (not for discriminatory purposes).

Cognitive Prongs

Knowing right from wrong.

Volitional Prongs

Ability to control behavior.

False Positive

When an expert incorrectly says two pieces of evidence match.

Expert Witnesses

Help clarify complex topics for jurors.

Must have specialized knowledge.

Not typically working for free (not pro bono).

They are most effective when presented clearly.

Purpose of a Trial

A method to present information so that a jury or judge can make a decision.

Jury Selection

One of the most critical parts of the trial, affecting the outcome.

Story Model

Jurors build a story based on evidence and pick the verdict that fits that story.

Best Predictor of Verdict

The strength of evidence.

One Day/One Trial System

Designated to reduce hardship exemptions and make the process more efficient.

Excusal

Undue hardship or extreme inconvenience Includes caregiving responsibilities and extreme inconvenience.

Psychotic Disorders

The strong predictor of incompetence to stand trial.

Incompetent to Be Executed

Must be restored to competency before execution.

Jurors and Prior Convictions

Unlikely to ignore prior convictions—especially if similar to the current charge.

Trial Consultants

Use a data-driven approach to assist with jury selection.

Expert Testimony Effectiveness

Outcome based on whether an expert has presented information clearly.

CST is Legal, Not Psychological

t’s defined by the court, even though it’s informed by psychological evaluations.

Hinckley case

Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984 (IDRA) A legal system's response to insanity cases led to this reform act.

Youth vs. Adults in Plea Bargains

Refers to the effectiveness of plea deals accepted by younger adolescents (11-13)

Acceptance of Plea Deals by Younger Adolescents

Cognitive immaturity and poor understanding of long-term consequences may lead to this outcome.

Two prongs involved in assessing a person's mental state in legal contexts.

Volitional vs. Cognitive Prongs

Insanity

Recognition of mental health's impact on legality at time of offense.

Legal vs. Psychological Competency

The distinction between legal definitions and psychological evaluation standards in court.

peremptory challenge

dismissal od juror without needing reason

CST

Ability to understand legal proceedings and assist defense

M’Naghten Rule

Focus on understanding the nature/wrongfulness of act