Criminal Justice System Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the criminal justice system, including roles, processes, and significant legal cases.

Adversarial system

A legal system where prosecutors and defendants compete against each other.

Prosecutor

A lawyer who represents the government or the people in a criminal case.

Prosecutorial discretion

The authority of an attorney to decide whether to bring a case to trial or to dismiss it.

Exculpatory evidence

Evidence that clears a defendant of guilt during criminal proceedings.

Brady v. Maryland (1963)

A landmark case that ruled withholding exculpatory evidence is a serious breach of ethics.

Public defender

A lawyer provided by the court to represent defendants who cannot afford to hire a private attorney.

Grand jury

A group that decides whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime.

Bail reform act of 1966

Legislation allowing a right to be released on bond or recognizance for non-capital offenders.

Preliminary hearing

A hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with charges after a complaint is filed.

Arraignment

The formal reading of charges to the defendant, who then enters a plea.

Plea bargain

An agreement in which a prosecutor reduces charges in exchange for a guilty plea.