Court Structure and Personnel, Pretrial and Trial Procedures, Punishment and Sentencing

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to court structure, pretrial and trial procedures, and the concepts of punishment and sentencing.

Limited Jurisdiction

Courts that handle specific types of cases, such as misdemeanors and small claims.

Grand Jury

A group of citizens that reviews evidence to decide if there is probable cause to charge someone with a crime.

Bail

Money or conditions imposed to ensure that a defendant returns to court.

Nolle Prosequi

A legal term meaning to abandon a prosecution.

Plea Bargaining

An agreement where a defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a reduced charge or sentence.

Indeterminate Sentences

A prison sentence with a range of time, allowing for parole after the minimum term.

Voir Dire

The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability for jury duty.

Peremptory Challenge

A means by which a lawyer can dismiss a juror without stating a cause.

Restitution

The act of compensating victims for losses incurred as a result of a crime.

Concurrent Sentence

Two or more sentences that are served at the same time.

Mandatory Sentences

Statutory requirements that set specific penalties for certain offenses.

Diversion Programs

Programs designed to redirect offenders away from incarceration and into rehabilitation.

Judicial Selection

The process used to select judges for courts, varying widely across the United States.

Arraignment

A court proceeding where the defendant hears the charges and enters a plea.

Trial Procedures

Steps in the legal process that occur from jury selection through final verdict.

Recidivism

The tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend.