The U.S. Criminal Justice Process – Key Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing the major terms, actors, and goals found within each step of the U.S. criminal justice process.

Criminal Justice Process

The series of steps—investigation, arrest, pre-trial, adjudication, sentencing, and corrections—used to achieve justice, protect society, and rehabilitate offenders.

Investigation

Initial phase where police gather evidence and reconstruct events to identify a suspect and establish probable cause.

Arrest

The act of taking a suspect into custody, thereby restricting their freedom, based on probable cause or a warrant.

Arrest Warrant

A judicial order authorizing police to apprehend a suspect and, if necessary, search and seize property.

Miranda Rights

Constitutional advisement of the right to remain silent and to an attorney, required before custodial interrogation.

Booking

Administrative procedure after arrest involving photographs, fingerprints, personal data, and creation of the formal arrest record.

Initial Appearance

Early court proceeding where a magistrate informs the defendant of charges, reviews rights, and considers bail.

Magistrate

A judicial officer who conducts the initial appearance and may set bail or appoint counsel.

Bail

Money or property pledged to assure a defendant’s return to court; serious offenses may be denied bail.

Preliminary Hearing

Judicial review to decide whether sufficient evidence (probable cause) exists to continue the case.

Probable Cause

Reasonable grounds to believe a crime was committed and the accused committed it.

Discovery

Process allowing defense to examine prosecution evidence before trial.

Plea Bargain

Negotiated agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge for a lighter sentence.

Indictment

Formal accusation submitted to court, often after grand-jury review, charging a person with an offense.

Grand Jury

Panel of citizens that evaluates prosecution evidence to determine whether an indictment should be issued.

Arraignment

Court proceeding where the indictment is read and the defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Adjudication

The trial phase that determines a defendant’s guilt or innocence before a judge and jury.

Jury Selection (Voir Dire)

Questioning of prospective jurors by attorneys to choose an impartial panel of 12 citizens.

Hung Jury

A jury that cannot reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial.

Verdict

The formal decision of the jury—guilty or not guilty—based on trial evidence.

Sentencing

Judicial determination of punishment after conviction; may include imprisonment, fines, probation, or death.

Retribution

Goal of sentencing aimed at vengeance or just deserts for wrongdoing.

Incapacitation

Sentencing goal of protecting society by removing offenders’ ability to commit further crimes.

Deterrence

Use of punishment to discourage the offender (specific) or society (general) from future crime.

Rehabilitation

Sentencing objective focused on reforming offender behavior through treatment and education.

Restoration

Goal emphasizing making victims whole and repairing harm caused by the crime.

Corrections

System overseeing punishment implementation: prisons, jails, probation, parole, capital punishment, and alternatives.

Probation

Court-ordered community supervision in lieu of incarceration, often with conditions and monitoring.

Parole

Conditional early release from prison, allowing supervised reintegration into the community.

Capital Punishment

Legal execution of an offender for particularly serious crimes, such as aggravated murder.