Criminal Justice: Key Terms (Chapter 1-7) – Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from the lecture: definitions of crime, civil/criminal distinctions, burden of proof, BRD vs preponderance, evidence vs proof, intent, criminalization, punishment, and government structure.

Crime

Behaviors that society deems wrong and that the law forbids; acts the legislature defines as crimes to prevent or punish.

Civil Case

A non-criminal dispute between private parties; penalties are monetary damages or other civil remedies; does not involve loss of liberty.

Criminal Case

A case alleging violation of criminal law; penalties may include imprisonment; proof beyond a reasonable doubt is required.

Burden of Proof

The amount and quality of evidence required to prove a case; differs between criminal (higher) and civil (lower) standards.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (BRD)

The high standard of proof in criminal cases; jurors must be convinced of guilt with no reasonable doubt.

Preponderance of the Evidence

The civil standard of proof; the claim is more likely true than not (greater than 50%).

Jurisdiction

Authority of a court or government to hear and decide a case; power to determine what is a crime; distributed across federal, state, and local levels.

Legislature

Elected body that writes laws (statutes) for the jurisdiction.

Executive

Branch that enforces laws; includes the President/Governor and administrative agencies.

Judicial

Branch that interprets laws and resolves disputes; consists of courts.

Theft

Taking someone else’s property without permission; a form of property crime.

Robbery

Theft accomplished with force or threat of force.

Abhorrent / Reprehensible

Terms describing conduct that society deems morally unacceptable or bad.

Criminalization

Process by which a behavior is made illegal by law in response to societal disapproval.

Punishment

Consequences imposed for a crime; in criminal cases may include imprisonment or fines; civil penalties are monetary damages.

Majority Rules

In a democracy, the majority’s preference shapes laws, though fundamental rights may still constrain.

Benjamin Franklin Principle (Beyond a Reasonable Doubt)**

Better that 100 guilty people go free than one innocent person be incarcerated—a rationale for a high criminal-proof standard.

Evidence

Information presented to prove or disprove facts; includes testimony, documents, and physical items.

Intent

State of mind regarding the result of one’s actions; intent matters for criminal liability.

Clear and Convincing Evidence

A civil burden higher than preponderance but lower than BRD; roughly around 75% probability.

Prohibition / Prohibition Era

Historical period when alcohol was illegal, illustrating how laws change with societal attitudes.

Criminalization Sequence

Societal disapproval of a behavior leads to a law that prohibits it.

Branches of Government (Executive, Legislative, Judicial)

All levels (federal, state, municipal) have these three branches to make, enforce, and interpret laws.

Levels of Government

Federal, state, and municipal governments; each has legislative, executive, and judicial components to govern within their jurisdiction.