Overview of the Criminal Justice System

These flashcards cover important terminology and principles related to criminal law and procedures as discussed in the lecture.

Criminal Law

Part of the law that establishes penalties for violations.

Constitution

The supreme law that outlines the framework of government and fundamental rights.

Principle of Legality

Individuals cannot be punished for acts that were not defined as crimes in advance.

Precept

A command which specifies what is prohibited or mandated.

Punishment

A penalty imposed for violating the law.

Principle of Retroactivity

A law cannot impose punishment for acts that were not considered crimes at the time they were committed.

Personal Liability

A legal principle where individuals are held accountable for their actions under criminal law.

Indagazioni Preliminari

Preliminary investigations conducted to ascertain the existence of a crime.

Arrest in Flagrante

Immediate arrest of a suspect caught in the act of committing a crime.

Interrogation

A formal questioning of a person suspected of a crime.

Search and Seizure

The process by which law enforcement can search a premise and confiscate evidence.

Legal Assistance

The right of the accused to have legal representation.

Evidence Collection

The process of gathering evidence during an investigation.

Technical Evidence

Scientific evidence derived from technical means, often involving forensic analysis.

Privacy Concerns

Legal and ethical considerations regarding the invasion of personal privacy during investigations.

Data Retention

The policies regarding how long data, such as telecommunication logs, is held by service providers.

Judicial Authorization

Formal permission from a judge required before police actions such as arrests or searches.

Witness Testimony

A statement given by a person who has knowledge of events relevant to a criminal case.

Investigatory Measures

Actions undertaken by police to investigate crimes, including surveillance and undercover operations.

Prosecution

The legal proceedings against someone accused of a crime.

Defense

The legal representation of a accused person in a criminal trial to challenge the prosecution's case.

Police Procedure

The specific protocols that law enforcement must follow during investigations and arrests.

Confidentiality

The obligation to keep communications private and secure during the course of legal proceedings.