BUS 204 - Exam 1

Civil disputes

disputes between 2 or more parties that typically involve claims for damages or specific performance. They may arise in various contexts, including contract disagreements, property issues, and family law matters. No right to an attorney. Pay your way, 9/12 jurors must agree for KY

criminal disputes

concerns the larger population because the law matters to everyone. has the right to a defense attorney. 12/12 jurors must agree

Burden of Proof (overall definition)

how much each individual juror must believe one side in order to render a verdict

Burden of Proof (criminal)

Beyond a reasonable doubt: meaning there is a high level of certainty that the defendant committed the crime.

Burden of Proof (civil)

Preponderance of the evidence: meaning that there is a greater than %50 of certainty

Jurisdiction

the authority of a court to hear a case and make legal decisions.

subject matter

authority over a particular topic

personal jurisdiction

the court's power to hear cases involving specific individuals ( person, trust, LLC, etc.)

fairness concept

the principle that parties in a legal case should have an equal opportunity to present their arguments and defend their rights.

due process

the legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment in the judicial system.

misdemeanors

Crimes that are less serious than felonies, often punishable by fines or imprisonment for less than one year.

trial courts

The courts where cases are first heard and decided, typically having original jurisdiction over various types of cases. They handle criminal and civil matters.

felony

Crimes that are more serious than misdemeanors, typically punishable by imprisonment for over one year or by death.

appellate courts

courts that review decisions made by trial courts, typically focusing on legal errors or procedural issues. Only one appeal opportunity and additional appeals are at the discretion of the appellate court