Courthouse vocab

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930
Across
  1. 3. A lawyer who represents the government or the public in a criminal case.
  2. 5. The first court appearance in a criminal case where the defendant is formally charged, informed of their rights, and enters a plea.
  3. 6. Officer An officer who supervises individuals released from prison before completing their full sentence.
  4. 8. In a civil lawsuit, the party who initiates the legal action against the defendant.
  5. 11. Jury (Tx) A group of 12 people whose responsibility is to review criminal complaints and determine if there is enough evidence to issue an indictment.
  6. 14. A trial that is terminated before its normal conclusion due to a serious procedural error.
  7. 17. A person who has information relevant to a legal case, providing testimony to the court about what they saw, heard, or know.
  8. 18. Reporter A person who records, word-for-word, the proceedings of a court or deposition.
  9. 19. A judge's decision to reject an objection raised by an attorney.
  10. 21. A finding by a judge or jury that a defendant is not guilty of the charges against them.
  11. 24. Clerk The clerk of a District Court in Texas, responsible for managing court records, jury services, and other administrative duties.
  12. 25. Coordinator An administrative professional responsible for managing court dockets, scheduling trials, coordinating with attorneys, and sometimes managing jurors and other administrative tasks.
  13. 26. The questioning of a witness by the opposing attorney in a trial.
  14. 27. An appointed or elected official who presides over a court.
  15. 29. A group of citizens selected to hear evidence presented in a trial and render a verdict based on the facts and the judge's instructions on the law.
  16. 30. A formal protest made by an attorney during a trial to challenge a statement, question, or evidence presented by the opposing side.
Down
  1. 1. A formal request made to a judge for a specific legal ruling or action.
  2. 2. Foreman The juror chosen to lead and organize deliberations.
  3. 4. examination The questioning of a witness by the attorney who called them to testify.
  4. 7. The formal decision or judgment rendered by a judge or jury at the conclusion of a trial.
  5. 9. A request to a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.
  6. 10. A court attendant responsible for maintaining order and safety in the courtroom, assisting the judge, and managing jurors and evidence.
  7. 12. Billed A formal accusation issued by a grand jury, determining that there is enough evidence to proceed with a criminal prosecution.
  8. 13. In a civil lawsuit, the party being sued. In a criminal case, the person accused of a crime.
  9. 15. A judicial process of finding a criminal defendant guilty of a charged offense.
  10. 16. Officer An officer who supervises individuals sentenced to probation, working towards rehabilitation and ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions.
  11. 20. Dire A process of questioning prospective jurors to determine their suitability for jury service and whether they can serve fairly and impartially.
  12. 22. A judicial officer who handles less serious legal matters.
  13. 23. Attorney An attorney representing the defendant in a civil lawsuit or criminal prosecution.
  14. 25. Clerk: A local government official responsible for maintaining records such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and property deeds.
  15. 28. A judge's decision to agree with an objection raised by an attorney.