Criminal and Civil Law Key Concepts for Law Students Latest updated version with expert curated questions and answers (GUARANTEED SUCCESS)

Probable Cause

Reasonable belief, based on facts, that a crime was committed and a specific person committed it.

Subpoena

A court order requiring a person to testify or produce documents.

Habeas Corpus

A legal action that requires the government to justify why a person is being detained.

Indictment

A formal criminal charge issued by a grand jury.

Affidavit

A written statement sworn to be true under oath.

Deposition

Sworn testimony taken before trial and recorded for later use.

Miranda Warnings

Rights read to suspects in custody, including the right to remain silent and to an attorney.

Plaintiff

The person or party who files a lawsuit (usually in civil cases).

Grand Jury

A group that decides whether enough evidence exists to indict someone.

Petit Jury

A trial jury that determines guilt or liability.

Change of Venue

Moving a trial to a different location to ensure fairness.

Civil Law

Law dealing with disputes between individuals (money or property).

Criminal Law

Law dealing with crimes against the state or society.

Parole

Supervised release from prison after serving part of a sentence.

Probation

Court-ordered supervision instead of serving time in jail or prison.

Contraband

Illegal items prohibited by law (weapons, drugs, etc.).

Warrantless Exceptions

Situations where police can search without a warrant.

Warrant

A court order authorizing a search, seizure, or arrest.

Adversary System

Legal system where opposing sides present arguments before a neutral judge or jury.

Case Law

Law based on court decisions and judicial precedents.

Statutory Law

Laws passed by legislatures and written into statutes.

Hearsay Evidence

Statements made outside of court used to prove the truth of the matter asserted.

Hung Jury

A jury that cannot reach a unanimous verdict.

Determinate Sentencing

A fixed prison sentence with a specific length.

Indeterminate Sentencing

A sentence with a range (minimum to maximum).

Bond Hearing

A hearing to decide bail amount or release conditions.

Probable Cause Hearing

A hearing to determine if enough evidence exists to move forward with charges.

Plea Bargaining

An agreement where the defendant pleads guilty for reduced charges or sentence.