Gov - Due Process of Law

Bail

Temporary release of a defendant awaiting trial, often requiring a money deposit to ensure their appearance in court.

Capital Punishment

A form of criminal punishment where the state takes the defendant's life for serious crimes; also known as the death penalty.

Contempt of Court

The offense of being disobedient or disrespectful towards a court of law or its officials, disrupting the judicial process.

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Punishment that involves torture, intentional degradation, excessive pain, or is too severe for the crime committed.

Double Jeopardy

The legal principle that prohibits the prosecution of a person twice for the same offense after an acquittal or conviction.

Due Process of Law

The fair and just legal principles that the government must follow to protect all individuals' legal rights throughout the judicial process.

Exclusionary Rule

A rule that prevents evidence obtained through violations of a defendant's constitutional rights, usually from unreasonable searches, from being used in court.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that makes an action illegal after it was committed or increases the punishment for an action after it happened.

Grand Jury

A group of citizens who review evidence to determine if there is enough probable cause to formally charge a defendant with a crime and proceed to trial.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A court order requiring a person in custody to be brought before a judge, allowing them to challenge the legality of their detention.

Indictment

A formal charge or accusation stating that someone has committed a serious crime.

Petit Jury

A group of citizens called to court to hear evidence in a trial and decide the outcome, such as determining guilt or innocence in a criminal trial or liability in a civil trial.

Miranda Rule

The requirement for law enforcement officers to inform a person in custody of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, before questioning them.

Probable Cause

A reasonable belief, based on facts, that a crime has been committed or will be committed.

Right of Confrontation

The right of a defendant to face the witnesses testifying against them and to be present at their trial; it also ensures that accusations aren't made secretly by unknown persons.

Right to Compel Witnesses to Testify

The right of a defendant to require witnesses to appear in court and testify on their behalf, even if they do not want to.

Right to Counsel

The right of a defendant to have a competent attorney assist them throughout legal proceedings.

Search Warrant

A judge-signed order authorizing the search of a specified place for specific items.

Self-Incrimination

Testifying against oneself by saying something that could imply involvement in a crime or suggest illegal activity.

Speedy and Public Trial

A trial that is open to the public and conducted without unnecessary delays.