Across
- 3. Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case in favor of one side or the other.
- 7. The official decision of a court finally resolving the dispute between the parties to the lawsuit.
- 9. money that a defendant pays a plaintiff in a civil case if the plaintiff has won. Damages may be compensatory (for loss or injury) or punitive (to punish and deter future misconduct).
- 12. A log containing the complete history of each case in the form of brief chronological entries summarizing the court proceedings.
- 15. Jurisdiction given to federal courts in cases involving the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution, acts of Congress, and treaties.
- 16. Latin, meaning "you have the body." A writ of habeas corpus generally is a judicial order forcing law enforcement authorities to produce a prisoner they are holding, and to justify the prisoner's continued confinement.
- 18. Evidence presented by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. With some exceptions, hearsay generally is not admissible as evidence at trial
Down
- 1. The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
- 2. Court action that prevents an identical lawsuit from being filed later.
- 4. Evidence indicating that a defendant did not commit the crime.
- 5. To place a paper in the official custody of the clerk of court to enter into the files or records of a case.
- 6. A court order preventing one or more named parties from taking some action. A preliminary injunction often is issued to allow fact-finding, so a judge can determine whether a permanent injunction is justified.
- 8. An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial. See discovery.
- 9. In criminal law, the constitutional guarantee that a defendant will receive a fair and impartial trial. In civil law, the legal rights of someone who confronts an adverse action threatening liberty or property.
- 10. A body of 16-23 citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which is presented by the prosecutors, and determine whether there is probable cause to believe an individual committed an offense.
- 11. A serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison.
- 12. In a civil case, the person or organization against whom the plaintiff brings suit; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- 13. The group of persons selected to hear the evidence in a trial and render a verdict on matters of fact.
- 14. Procedures used to obtain disclosure of evidence before trial.
- 17. A legal action started by a plaintiff against a defendant based on a complaint that the defendant failed to perform a legal duty which resulted in harm to the plaintiff.