Law and Justice Chapter in 1

Crime

Conduct in violation of the criminal laws of a state, the federal government, or a local jurisdiction for which there is no legally acceptable justification or excuse.

Procedural fairness

The process by which procedures that feel fair to those involved are made.

Procedural justice

The implementation of fair and equitable procedures in the administration of justice.

Individual rights

Rights guaranteed to all members of American society.

Justice

The principle of fairness; the ideal of moral equity.

Social justice

An idea that embraces all aspects of civilized life linked to notions of fairness and to cultural beliefs about right and wrong.

Civil justice

An array of procedures and activities having to do with private rights and remedies sought by civil action.

Criminal justice

Fairness in relationships between citizens, government agencies, etc.

Criminal justice system

The operational aspects, law enforcement, courts, and corrections justice functions.

Warrant

A writ issued by a judicial officer directing law enforcement officer to perform a specified act and affording the officer protection from damages.

Booking

A law official recording entry into detention after arrest.

Bail

The money or property pledged to the court or deposited with the court to effect the release of a person from legal custody.

Preliminary hearing

A proceeding before a judicial officer to determine if a crime was committed, if it occurred in jurisdiction of the court, and if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the defendant committed the crime.

Probable cause

The necessary level of belief that would allow for arrests.

Indictment

A formal written accusation submitted to the court by the grand jury, alleging that a specified person has committed a specified offense.

Grand jury

A group of jurors selected according to law, sworn in to hear evidence and determine if there is sufficient evidence to bring the accused to trial.

Arraignment

The hearing before a court having jurisdiction in a criminal case in which the defendant is informed of the charge against them.

Trial

The examination in court of the issues of fact and relevant law in a case for the purpose of convicting or acquitting the defendant.

Procedural Law

The part of the law that specifies the methods to be used in enforcing substantive law.

Precedent

A legal principle that ensures that previous judicial decisions are considered and incorporated into future cases.

Consecutive sentence

One of two or more sentences imposed at the same time, after conviction for more than one offense.

Concurrent sentence

Imposed upon a person already under sentence for a previous offense, served at the same time as the previous sentence.

Due process

Procedural fairness.