3.5-3.8 AP Government Vocabulary

D.C. v Heller

SCOTUS case ruling that the 2nd Amendment protects the individual right to own a firearm for self defense purposes

8th Amendment

Cruel and Unusual punishment

Metadata

structured information that describes, tracks, and manages government data, records, and communication

4th Amendment

protects the people from unreasonable government searches and seizures of their personal items

Warrant

official document issued by allowing law enforcement to search property or seize evidence

Probable Cause

legal standard requiring police to have a reasonable belief based on facts that a crime has been committed.

Exclusionary Rule

legal principle preventing government from using evidence collected in violation of the defendants constitutional rights in criminal trials

Unreasonable search and seizure

investigation or confiscation of property by law enforcement that violates the 4th Amendment

Selective incorporation

SCOTUS that applies protections from the Bill of Rights to the state and local governments through due process clause

Gideon v Wainwright

SCOTUS case that expanded legal assistance to defendants to state and local courts

14th Amendments due process clause

prohibits state governments from depriving anyone of “life, liberty, or property without due process of the law”

5th Amendment

protects individuals from government overreach in legal and criminal procedures

Procedural due process

requires government official to follow fair and predictable procedures before depriving someone of life, liberty, or property

Miranda rule

requirement that police must inform suspects of their rights before conducting an interrogation

Miranda v Arizona

SCOTUS ruling that declared suspects statements cannot be used in court unless they’ve been informed of their constitutional rights

“Public safety exception” to Miranda

allows police to question a suspect in custody without giving a Miranda warning if there is an urgent reasonable threat to the public

6th Amendment

guarantees essential right for people accused of crimes

Patriot and USA Freedom Acts

Acts implemented to enhance government surveillance and national security powers.

Impartial jury

jury chosen to have no bias, preconceived notions, or outside influence to judge the case fairly

Legal Counsel

licensed attorney who can provide legal advice