CJ Today CH6 Key Terms

affidavit

A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court.

arrest

The act of legally taking a person into custody.

arrest warrant

A court order authorizing the arrest of a person.

coercion

Using force or threats to get someone to do something against their will.

consent searches

Searches conducted with the voluntary agreement of the person being searched.

custodial interrogation

Questioning by law enforcement after a person has been taken into custody.

custody

When a person is deprived of freedom in a significant way by law enforcement.

electronic surveillance

Monitoring people’s activities or communications using electronic devices.

exclusionary rule

A legal rule that bars illegally obtained evidence from being used in court.

exigent circumstances

Situations that allow law enforcement to act without a warrant due to an emergency.

false confession

Admitting to a crime one didn’t commit, often due to pressure or coercion.

frisk

A quick pat-down of a person's outer clothing to check for weapons.

fruit of the poisoned tree

Evidence obtained from an illegal search or interrogation, and therefore inadmissible.

“good faith” exception

Allows evidence to be used if police believed they were following proper legal procedures.

“inevitable discovery” exception

Evidence is admissible if it would have been found legally anyway.

interrogation

Formal questioning by law enforcement, especially in relation to a crime.

Miranda rights

The rights that must be read to a suspect before custodial interrogation, such as the right to remain silent.

plain view doctrine

Evidence in plain sight can be seized without a warrant if the officer is lawfully present.

probable cause

Reasonable grounds to make an arrest or conduct a search.

racial profiling

Targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on their race or ethnicity.

search

When law enforcement examines a person or property for evidence.

searches and seizures

The examination and taking of property or persons by the government.

searches incidental to arrests

Searches done during or just after an arrest for safety or evidence.

search warrant

A legal document allowing police to conduct a search.

seizure

When police take control of a person or property.

stop

A brief detention by police based on reasonable suspicion.

warrantless arrest

An arrest made without a warrant, typically allowed under specific legal conditions.