Ch4/6 Law Terms and Concepts

Actus Reus

A Latin phrase meaning "a wrongful deed"; the physical act of a crime, which together with mens rea, makes a person criminally liable

Mens Rea

A Latin phrase meaning "a guilty mind"; the knowledge, intent, or recklessness of one's actions, which together with actus reus, makes one criminally liable

Indictable offence

A severe or particularly serious criminal offense (e.g., murder, treason), which has a correspondingly severe penalty, and which proceeds by way of a formal court document called an indictment

Voir Dire

A type of mini-trial held within an actual trial to decide if certain evidence is admissible

Hybrid Offense

Criminal offense that may be tried, at the Crown's option, as a summary conviction offense or indictable offense, with the corresponding less or more severe punishment

Cross-examination

the questions a lawyer asks a witness called by the opposing side

Subpoena

a court document that orders a person to appear in court.

Motive

An accused's reason for committing a certain act

Juries

members of the public who are randomly selected to hear a case and decide on the verdict.

"The Bench"

Judges are often referred to as this term.

raise reasonable doubt.

The main responsibility of the defense is not to present evidence, but

Circumstansial evidence

Indirect evidence that tries to link the accused to the crime through circumstance and physical evidence.

Perjury

A witness who knowingly giving false evidence may be guilty of this crime

Summation/Closing Statement

After all witnesses have been called, the Crown and defence each present a

The Verdict

The jury's final decision on the case is

Organized Crime

A group of three or more people with a common identity for criminal purposes are considered