Just mercy stuff

1. Capital Punishment – The legally authorized execution of a person as punishment for a crime, typically murder. Also known as the death penalty.

2. Death Row – A section of a prison where inmates sentenced to death are held while awaiting execution.

3. Parole – The conditional release of a prisoner before their full sentence is served. The individual must follow specific rules and check in with a parole officer.

4. Probation – A court-ordered period of supervision in the community instead of serving time in prison. Violating probation can result in incarceration.

5. Mass Incarceration – The extensive imprisonment of large numbers of people, often disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. It refers to the dramatic increase in the U.S. prison population since the 1970s.

6. Subpoena – A legal document that orders a person to testify as a witness in court or provide evidence. Failing to comply can result in legal penalties.

7. Exonerated – To be officially cleared of blame or guilt for a crime, usually after new evidence proves innocence.

8. Affidavit – A written statement made under oath, used as evidence in court.

9. Bail – Money or property given to the court as a guarantee that a defendant will return for trial. If they do not appear, they forfeit their bail and will have a warrant for their arrest.

10. Adjudicated – A legal term meaning a final judgment or decision has been made in a case.

11. Appellate – Related to the process of appealing a court decision to a higher court for review.

12. Solitary Confinement – A form of imprisonment in which an inmate is isolated from others, often for 23 hours a day, as a punishment or for security reasons.

District Attorney (DA) – The chief prosecutor in a county or district, responsible for bringing criminal charges and representing the state in court.