Mrs. Shockcor's Flashcards

Georgia State Constitution

the document that outlines the rights, rules, regulations, and procedures for Georgia's citizens and government.

Preamble

the opening statements of the Georgia and the U.S. Constitutions; states the fundamental purposes of the documents

Amendments

changes made to the Georgia and/or the U.S. Constitutions

Checks and Balances

a systems that allows one branch of government to veto or amend the acts of another to prevent one branch from having too much power

Separation of Powers

the constitutional principle that limits the powers vested in one person or branch of government

Veto

the power held by the executive branch to reject a law

Citizen Rights

government protected rights found in the U.S. Bill of Rights and the Georgia Bill of Rights

Citizen Responsibilities

duties that all citizens have; some are mandatory, like paying taxes and serving on juries; others are voluntary, such as voting

Juries

a body of people (typically twelve in number) giving a verdict on legal cases based on the evidence presented

Voting Qualifications

required criteria a person must have in order to vote; these include being 18 years of age and being a citizen of the United States

Wisdom

applies to the Legislative branch and its making of state laws

Justice

applies to the just and fair decisions made by the Judicial branch

Moderation

applies to the use of moderation in administering laws by the Executive branch

Georgia General Assembly

Georgia's legislative branch; made up of a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate

Legislative Branch

governmental branch responsible for creating laws

Legislative Committees

Purposes is to look specifically at bills submitted in the lawmaking process

Taxes

money paid by citizens to support the function of local, state, and/or the federal government

Executive Branch

governmental branch responsible for enforcing laws

Governor

head of the states executive branch responsible for overseeing the office of the executive branch

Lieutenant Governor

second highest office of the executive branch; presides over the Georgia senate and takes on the role of the governor if the governor leaves the state; will take over the office if the governor dies or is impeached

Appeal

challenge to a lower court's decision

Appellate

courts whose responsibility is to review decisions by lower courts

Judicial Branch

branch of government responsible for interpreting the laws

Jurisdiction

area that a court is responsible for

Civil Law

deals with laws created to deal with relationships amongst individuals

Criminal Law

deals with laws that are created to protect society from wrongdoers

Arrest/ Booking

Enough evidence is present to file an official arrest report on a person suspected of committing a crime

Initial appearance

Suspect is brought before the Magistrate court to determine is the person can be released on bail

Preliminary hearing

The Magistrate judge and a group of citizens determine is there is enough probable cause/ evinced to suspect the person committed the crime

Arraignment

Formal reading of the charges where the person can state "guilty" or "not guilty"

Plea bargain

The potential for the suspect to admit guilt and receive a lower offence or sentence

Selecting a jury

Both attorneys are able to speak to the jury to state what they hope to prove in the case

Opening statements

Both attorneys are able to speak to the jury to state what they hope to prove in the case

Presentation of evidence

Witnesses are called to the stand to testify and show the jury evidence

Closing statements

Both attorneys present their final arguments on the case

Jury deliberation/ verdict

Jury decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty

Sentencing

If found guilty, the judge will provide how much time the person will spend in prison or how much they owe in fines

Appeal

If the defendant wants to maintain their innocence, they can appeal their case if they feel there were mistakes made in the trial

Delinquent Act

an act committed by a juvenile that would be a criminal offense according to adult law

Unruly Act

an act committed by a juvenile that would not be a criminal offense according to adult law

Intake

The juvenile could be referred by someone in the community to determine if an action was committed

Informal adjustment

Court/ intake officer determines if evidence and probable cause exists for a juvenile court case

Petition

Formal document charging the child with delinquency or unruliness

Adjudication

Judge hears witnesses and evidence to see if the juvenile was delinquent or unruly. NO RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY!

Disposition

Sentencing is given to the juvenile

Special purpose districts

government entities created to serve a special function for the state or community

Board of Commissioners

Leads COUNTY governments

Municipality

a city or town

Mayor

Leads CITY governments

Principles of Georgia flag

Represent the branches of government. Wisdom, Justice, Moderation, Courage