Criminal Law Vocabulary: Key Terms and Definitions

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions related to criminal law.

Bail

A sum of money or property given as security to ensure that a person accused of a crime returns for their trial.

Principal

The main person who commits a crime.

Accomplice

Someone who knowingly helps another person commit a crime.

Accessory

A person who assists in the commission of a crime but isn't present during its occurrence.

Aid & Abet

To help, encourage, or support someone in committing a crime.

Homicide

The killing of one human by another.

Excusable Homicide

A killing that occurred without criminal intent and isn't punishable by law, often due to accident or self-defense.

Felonious Homicide

An unlawful killing of a person with criminal intent.

Murder

The unlawful and intentional killing of another person with malice aforethought.

Reasonable Doubt

The level of certainty required for a jury to legally find a criminal defendant guilty.

Manslaughter

The unlawful killing of a person without premeditation or malice aforethought.

Conviction

A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.

Sentence

The punishment assigned to a person found guilty of a crime.

Imprisonment

The act of confining someone in jail or prison as legal punishment.

Incarcerate

To put someone in prison or jail.

Parole

The conditional release of a prisoner before the completion of their sentence.

Pardon

An unofficial act by a government authority that forgives a person of a crime and cancels out any remaining punishment.

Reprieve

A temporary delay in carrying out a sentence, especially a death sentence.

Malice Aforethought

The intention of killing someone or harming them that shows planning before the crime.

Assault & Battery

The combined act of threatening harm (assault) and physically attacking someone (battery).

Breaking and Entering

Illegally entering a building with intent to commit a crime.

Constructive Breaking

Gaining unlawful entry into a place without physical force, often through trickery or threat.

Larceny

The unlawful taking of someone's property with intent to permanently deprive them of it.

Robbery

The act of taking property from a person or their immediate presence by force or threat.

Animus Furandi

The intention of stealing.

Forgery

Falsely making or altering a document with intent to defraud.

Utter & Publish

To present or use a forged document as if it were genuine.