Juvenile Justice Vocab

Verdicts

A formal decision by a jury or judge about whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty

Cognitive

Related to thinking, learning, memory, reasoning, and understanding

Penal Code

A collection of laws that define crimes and specify punishments

Senate Bill

A proposed law introduced in a state or federal senate; it becomes law only if it completes the required legislative process and is approved

Erratic

Unpredictable, inconsistent, or irregular

Transfer Hearing

A court hearing to decide whether a juvenile accused of an offense should be transferred to adult criminal court

Prosecutor

A lawyer who represents the government and brings a criminal case against an accused person

Defense Attorney

A lawyer who represents and defends a person accused of a crime

Restorative Justice

An approach to justice that focuses on repairing harm, accountability, and the needs of affected people and communities

Racial Disparity

A difference in outcomes or treatment among racial groups; the term alone does not explain the cause of the difference

Felony

A serious category of crime, generally punishable by more than a year of imprisonment under many U.S. laws; definitions vary by jurisdiction

Quandary

A difficult situation in which it is hard to decide what to do

Misdemeanor

A criminal offense generally considered less serious than a felony; penalties vary by jurisdiction

Recidivism

The tendency or rate of returning to criminal behavior after a prior offense or justice-system involvement

Perpetuated

Caused something, such as a practice or problem, to continue or last

Habeas Corpus

A legal procedure that allows a person to challenge the lawfulness of their detention or imprisonment

Tort

A civil wrong, other than a breach of contract, for which the law may provide a remedy such as damages

Jurisdiction

The legal authority of a court or government to hear a case or make decisions over a person, place, or issue

Affidavit

A written statement of facts that. person swears or affirms is true, often before an authorized official

Due Process

The requirement that the government follow fair legal procedures and respect applicable legal rights