The Evolution of the Law of Criminal Evidence

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the law of criminal evidence for exam preparation.

Presumption of Innocence

The principle that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The highest standard of proof in criminal trials, requiring the prosecution to present evidence that leaves no reasonable doubt about the defendant's guilt.

Evidence

Any information presented in court to prove or disprove a fact in issue.

Hearsay

An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, which is generally inadmissible.

Substantive Law

Law that defines rights and responsibilities, and the elements of legal claims.

Procedural Law

Law governing the methods and procedures used in legal proceedings.

Mala in Se

Acts that are considered inherently wrong or evil.

Mala Prohibita

Acts that are wrong due to being prohibited by law, not because they are inherently evil.

Stare Decisis

The doctrine that obligates courts to follow historical cases when making a ruling on a similar case.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution protecting individual rights.

Magna Carta

The 1215 document limiting the power of the king and establishing certain legal rights.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A legal order requiring a person in custody to be brought before a court to determine if the detention is lawful.

Jury System

A legal system for deciding important matters, where members of the public (jurors) are selected to render a verdict.

Detainee Rights

Legal rights granted to individuals detained by the state, particularly in relation to due process.

Federal Rules of Evidence

The body of rules that govern the admission of evidence in federal courts.

Uniform Rules of Evidence

A set of rules proposed to help states create uniformity in laws governing evidence.

Double Jeopardy

The constitutional protection against being tried for the same crime twice.

Exclusionary Rule

A legal principle that excludes evidence obtained in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights.

Hearsay Rule

A rule that generally excludes hearsay evidence from being admitted in court.

Bail

A legal method by which a court allows an accused person to be released from custody before trial.

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, deemed to be excessively harsh.

Compulsory Process

The right of a defendant to obtain witnesses in their favor through the issuance of subpoenas.

Impartial Jury

A jury that has no bias or preconceived notions about the case or the defendant.

Due Process

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