Criminal Justice Final Study Guide

Venire

A group of citizens from which the jury is selected.

Voir Dire

Preliminary questions the trial attorneys ask potential jurors to determine suitability.

Bench trial

There is no jury, so the judge decides the outcome.

Challenges for the cause

The attorney must provide a sound, legally justifiable reason for a juror's dismissal.

Peremptory challenges

The attorney can remove a juror without showing a supporting reason.

Direct evidence

Proof that directly establishes a fact without requiring inference.

Real evidence

Presented in the form of exhibits; includes physical items.

Direct Examination

Prosecution calls all witnesses to provide evidence before the defense does the same.

Cross-examination

Interrogation of a witness by the opposing party.

Redirect examination

Questioning of a witness by the attorney who called them, after cross-examination.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The burden of proof needed to convict someone in trial.

Fourth Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Due process of law.

Sixth Amendment

Right to a fair and speedy trial.

Seventh Amendment

Right to a trial by jury.

Eighth Amendment

Prevention of cruel and unusual punishments.

Opening Statement

Summary of what will be presented during the trial.

Closing Arguments

Summary and final arguments presented at the end of the trial.

Lay witness

A person who testifies in court who is not an expert.

Expert Witness

A person who testifies in court as an expert in a relevant topic.

Self Defense

Legal justification for using reasonable physical force for protection.

Necessity

Legal allowance to commit an illegal act to prevent greater harm.

Insanity

State of mind defense claiming the person did not understand the act was wrong.

Entrapment

Defense asserting that law enforcement coerced a person to commit a crime.

Double Jeopardy

Prevents an individual from being charged for the same crime twice.

Jury Sequestration

Isolating jurors from the public and media during a trial.

Aggravating Circumstances

Facts that increase the severity of a crime.

Mitigating Circumstances

Factors that reduce the seriousness of a crime or punishment.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment based on characteristics such as race or gender.

Capital Punishment

Death penalty.

Retribution

Punishment meant to make offenders pay for their crimes.

Specific Deterrence

Punishment intended to stop an offender from reoffending.

General Deterrence

Punishment aimed at disencouraging others from committing crimes.

Reintegration

Helping offenders return successfully to society after punishment.

Rehabilitation

Efforts to change offenders' behavior to prevent future crime.

Parole

Early release from prison under supervision.

Probation

A sentence allowing an offender to remain in the community.

Incarceration

Confinement in jail or prison.

Community Service

Unpaid work performed as punishment for a crime.

Intermediate Sanctions

Punishments stricter than probation.

Pennsylvania System

Prison system focused on solitary confinement.

New York System (Elmira Reformatory)

A prison system focused on rehabilitation.

Total Institution

Highly controlled prison facility.

Prisonization

Adapting to prison culture.

Deprivation

Loss of freedom.

Expiration Release

Release after serving the full sentence.

Furlough

Temporary prison leave for a specific occasion.

Ban the Box

Removes the criminal history box from job applications.