Criminal Justice Vocab

Defense Attorney

A lawyer who represents the accused and defends their rights in court

Plea Bargain

An agreement between the prosecution and the defense in which the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence or charge

Law Enforcement

The branch of the criminal justice system responsible for investigating and preventing crimes, including police officers

Criminal record

a documented history of a persons criminals convictions and arrest

Misdemeanor

A less serious criminal offense, usually resulting in a sentence of less than one year in jail

Constitution

The supreme law of the land, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens and government

Crime

An act or omission that violates a law and is punishable by the government

Miranda Rights

A set of warning that law enforcement officers must provide to suspects in custody to protect their fifth amendment rights, including the right to remain silent

Criminal investigation

Process of gathering evidence and information to solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice

Probation

A court ordered alternative to incarceration where a person is supervised in the community instead of being in jail

Restorative Justice

A philosophy that focuses on repairing harm caused by crime by involving victims offenders and the community in the resolution process

Due process

The constitutional principle that guarantees fair treatment and legal protections to individuals accused of crimes

Evidence

Information or items presented in court to prove or disprove facts in a case

Parole

The supervised release of a prisoner before their full sentence is served subject to certain conditions

Corrections

The component of the criminal justice system responsible for supervising and rehabilitating individuals who have been convicted of crimes including prisons and probation

Judicial system

The part of the criminal justice system responsible for interpreting and applying the law including judges, courts, and lawyers

Witness

A person who has information relevant to a criminal case and is called to testify in court

Felony

A serious criminal offense typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year

Bail

Money or property that an arrested person provided to the court as a guarantee that they will appear in court for their trial

Victim Impact statement

A statement provided by a crime victim describing the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the crime

Prosecutor

A lawyer who represents the government and brings charges against individuals accused of committing crimes

Jury

A group of citizens selected to hear evidence in a trial and render a verdict based on the evidence presented

Recidivism

Tendency of previously convicted individuals to commit new crimes after release from prison or supervision