ALCBGS Lecture Notes Flashcards

Flashcards covering legal terms, trial procedures, rules of evidence, California government, citizenship, and civic duty as presented in a Boys State 2024 lecture.

Felony

Serious crimes punishable by 1+ years in State Prison; prosecuted via indictment or information.

First capitals

San Jose, Vallejo, Benicia, then Sacramento (permanent since 1879).

Misdemeanor

Less severe crimes punishable by <1 year in County Jail.

Infraction

Minor violations punished by fine or public service; no jail time or jury trial.

Speedy Trial

Defendant's right to a swift and public legal proceeding.

Right to an Attorney

The right of a defendant to have legal representation during legal proceedings.

Habeas Corpus

Legal petition to challenge unlawful imprisonment.

Bail

Defendant’s release based on payment, considering ability to pay.

Own Recognizance

Release based on a promise to appear in court.

In re Humphrey

Bail cannot be set without considering ability to pay

Burden of Proof in Criminal Trials

Guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Burden of Proof in Civil Trials

Plaintiff must prove case by a preponderance of evidence.

Jury Trial - Criminal

Requires unanimous verdict by 12 jurors (6 at B&G State).

Jury Trial - Civil

Requires 3/4 majority.

Hung Jury

No consensus reached by jury, resulting in mistrial.

Arraignment

Charges read; plea entered.

Voir Dire

Jurors questioned for bias; both sides can challenge.

Closing Arguments

Order of trial presentations: Prosecution, Defense, Prosecution rebuttal.

Jury Instructions

Judge explains the law to the jury.

Verdict

Jury deliberates and returns decision.

California Statehood

California became a state in 1850 (Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 1848).

Amendments to the California Constitution

Process: By Legislature (2/3 vote, then voter approval) or by People via initiative.

Governor

Chief executive, signs/vetoes laws.

Legislative Branch

Senate (40 members, 4-year terms) and Assembly (80 members, 2-year terms).

Responsibilities of the Legislative Branch

Pass laws, budget, taxes.

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, Superior Courts.

Chartered Cities

Operate under local constitution.

General Law Cities

Follow state law.

City Council

Legislative body of a city.

City Manager

Appointed; runs daily operations of a city.

Initiative/Referendum in City Government

Citizens can propose or challenge laws.

Initiative

Citizens propose ordinances.

Referendum

Citizens challenge council-passed laws.

Recall

Remove elected officials.

Board of Supervisors

Main legislative body of a county.

Key County Offices

Sheriff, District Attorney, Public Defender

State Initiative

People propose laws.

State Referendum

People reject laws.

Types of State Elections

Primary, General, Special.

Special Districts & Agencies

School, fire, water, hospital districts.