terms

Case in chief

The part of the trial where the government presents its evidence to prove the defendant's guilt.

Qualified immunity

Immunity from tort action granted if a party was acting reasonably within the scope of duties.

Torts

Civil damages.

Civil Rights Act (1983) actions

Actions under federal law against state and local officers for violations of their civil rights.

First appearance

The proceeding where a suspect is formally brought before a court for the first time.

Money bonds

Allows defendants to be released prior to trial if they put up a certain amount of money, including an unsecured bond.

Indigent defendants

Defendants too poor to hire lawyers.

Grand jurors

Citizens selected to serve a term on a grand jury.

Nolo contendere

When a defendant pleads 'no contest' to a criminal charge, not contesting the issue of guilt or innocence.

Bench trials

A trial before a judge without a jury.

Hung Jury

A jury that is unable to reach a verdict after protracted deliberations.

Hudson v Michigan

Ruled that failure to comply with the knock and announce rule does not violate the exclusionary rule if officers have a valid warrant.

Weeks v US

Established the exclusionary rule on a federal level.

U.S. v Leon

Created the good faith exception impacting the exclusionary rule.

Gideon v Wainwright

Established the right to counsel for indigents in felonies.