Civil and Criminal Law (7th Grade)

These flashcards cover key concepts in civil and criminal law, including definitions and important terms associated with legal proceedings and classifications of law.

Criminal Law

A body of law that deals with actions that harm society and are punishable by penalties such as imprisonment.

Civil Law

A branch of law that deals with disputes between individuals or entities, often involving compensation for harm done.

Contract Law

The area of law that governs agreements made between two or more parties, which can be enforceable by law.

Property Law

Rules and regulations that govern the buying, selling, and ownership of real estate.

Family Law

The branch of law that deals with family-related issues such as marriage, divorce, adoption, and child custody.

Personal Injury

A legal term for injuries to the body, mind, or emotions, as opposed to property.

Torts

Civil wrongs that result in injury or harm to another person, which can be addressed through civil lawsuits.

Intentional Tort

A deliberate act that causes harm to another person, such as vandalism.

Negligence

A failure to take proper care in doing something, resulting in damage or injury to another.

Plaintiff

The person who brings a case against another in a court of law.

Defendant

The individual being accused or sued in a court of law.

Settlement

An agreement reached between parties to resolve a dispute without going to trial.

Felony

A serious crime that is usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.

Misdemeanor

A minor crime that is usually punishable by less than one year of imprisonment or by fines.

Violent Crimes

Crimes that involve harm or the threat of harm to another person, such as assault or murder.

Due Process

A legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person and follow fair procedures.

Miranda Warning

A notification given by police to inform arrested individuals of their rights to silence and legal counsel.

Indictment

A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

Arraignment

The court proceeding where the defendant is formally charged and asked to enter a plea.

Plea Bargaining

A negotiation in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge to avoid a trial.

Juvenile Justice

The area of law that deals with minors who have committed criminal offenses and emphasizes rehabilitation.

Unanimous Verdict

A requirement that all jurors must agree on a verdict in a trial.

Purpose of Punishment

The rationale behind administering penalties for crimes, typically aimed at deterrence, retribution, rehabilitation, and societal protection.

Deterrence

The aim of punishment to discourage individuals from committing crimes, either through fear of consequences or by demonstrating the negative ramifications of such behavior.

Retribution

A philosophy that seeks to impose a punishment that is proportional to the crime, emphasizing that offenders deserve to be punished.

Rehabilitation

The goal of punishment focused on reforming an offender so that they can reintegrate into society as a law-abiding citizen.

Societal Protection

A purpose of punishment that seeks to safeguard society by restricting or rehabilitating individuals who pose a risk to public safety.