Just Mercy LA Vocab

Appeal

Illegal process in which convicted person asks a higher court to review and possibly reverse the decision of a lower court

Conviction

A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense typically made by a jury or judge

Death penalty

The legal execution of a person as punished for a crime

Due process

The constitutional right to fair treatment through the judicial system, especially as it relates to one’s life in liberty

exoneration

the official release of someone from blame or guilt after evidence proves their innocence

injustice

A situation in which the legal system fails to deliver there or moral outcomes

mitigation

evidence or argument, arguments presented to lessen the severity of the punishment

plea bargain

an agreement in which defendant plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence

prosecution

the legal party responsible for presenting the case against someone accused of a crime

public defender

a lawyer appointed by the court to represent defendants who cannot afford private attorneys

habeas corpus

illegal action that allows someone to challenge the legality of their detention or imprisonment

rehabilitation

Efforts to reform offenders so they can return to society as law abiding citizens

retribution

punishment inflicted as a vengeance for wrong or crime

Corroborate

to confirm or support a statement or piece of evidence with additional proof

Acquittal

legal judgment that officially clears the defendant of criminal charges

Indictment

a formal written charge issued by a grand jury, accusing someone of committing a serious crime

Fabrication

The deliberate act of creating false evidence or testimony

Impunity

Exemption from punishment or freedom from the consequences of wrongful actions

clemency

mercy or leniency granted by a governor or the president to reduce a sentence or pardon a conviction