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Capital Punishment

The legally authorized execution of a person as punishment for a crime, typically murder. Also known as the death penalty.

Death Row

A section of a prison where inmates sentenced to death are held while awaiting execution.

Parole

The conditional release of a prisoner before their full sentence is served. The individual must follow specific rules and check in with a parole officer.

Probation

A court-ordered period of supervision in the community instead of serving time in prison. Violating probation can result in incarceration.

Mass Incarceration

The extensive imprisonment of large numbers of people, often disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. It refers to the dramatic increase in the U.S. prison population since the 1970s.

Subpoena

A legal document that orders a person to testify as a witness in court or provide evidence. Failing to comply can result in legal penalties.

Exonerated

To be officially cleared of blame or guilt for a crime, usually after new evidence proves innocence.

Affidavit

A written statement made under oath, used as evidence in court.

Bail

Money or property given to the court as a guarantee that a defendant will return for trial. If they do not appear, they forfeit their bail and will have a warrant for their arrest.

Adjudicated

A legal term meaning a final judgment or decision has been made in a case.

Appellate

Related to the process of appealing a court decision to a higher court for review.

Solitary Confinement

A form of imprisonment in which an inmate is isolated from others, often for 23 hours a day, as a punishment or for security reasons.

District Attorney (DA)

The chief prosecutor in a county or district, responsible for bringing criminal charges and representing the state in court.

Loving v. Virginia (1967)

A landmark Supreme Court case that struck down laws banning interracial marriage, ruling them unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Strauder v. West Virginia (1880)

A Supreme Court case that ruled excluding Black men from juries violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, helping to establish racial fairness in the legal system.

Atkins v. Virginia (2002)

Declared that executing individuals with intellectual disabilities violates the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

Roper v. Simmons (2005)

Held that executing individuals for crimes committed while they were under 18 is unconstitutional.