Across
- 3. Answer questions in court.
- 6. A reason that an attorney interrupts a witness to talk to the judge.
- 9. Usually a petty offense, a less serious crime than a felony, punishable by less than a year of confinement.
- 12. of court An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
- 13. Judge's explanation to the jury before it begins deliberations of the questions it must answer and the law governing the case.
- 15. A promise to tell the truth.
- 18. Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
- 19. In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- 20. to the jury The judge's instructions to the jury concerning the law that applies to the facts of the case
- 22. A person called upon by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the court or jury.
- 26. A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
- 27. A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
- 28. To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
- 31. A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
- 32. Statements by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. Hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence in court.
- 35. 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.
- 36. A judge's written explanation of a decision of the court or of a majority of judges. A dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority opinion because of the reasoning and/or the principles of law on which the decision is based. A concurring opinion agrees with the decision of the court but offers further comment.
- 37. Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.
- 38. Represent defendants who can't afford an attorney in criminal matters.
- 39. offense A crime punishable by death.
- 41. A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- 45. A log containing brief entries of court proceedings.
- 46. A conference between the judge and lawyers held out of earshot of the jury and spectators.
- 48. (1) The disputed point in a disagreement between parties in a lawsuit. (2) To send out officially, as in to issue an order.
- 50. Legal advice; a term used to refer to lawyers in a case.
- 51. A judgment of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- 52. A person who is on the jury.
- 53. A crime carrying a penalty of more than a year in prison.
- 55. Government entity authorized to resolve legal disputes.
Down
- 1. officers (or pretrial services officers) : Screen applicants for pretrial release and monitor convicted offenders released under court supervision.
- 2. advocate: work with prosecutors and assist the victims of a crime.
- 4. To separate. Sometimes juries are sequestered from outside influences during their deliberations.
- 5. The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
- 7. The official decision of a court finally determining the respective rights and claims of the parties to a suit.
- 8. Written questions asked by one party of an opposing party, who must answer them in writing under oath; a discovery device in a lawsuit.
- 10. The process by which judges and lawyers select a jury from among those eligible to serve, by questioning them to determine knowledge of the facts of the case and a willingness to decide the case only on the evidence presented in court. "Voir dire" is a phrase meaning "to speak the truth."
- 11. A meeting with the police or prosecutor.
- 14. The punishment ordered by a court for a defendant convicted of a crime.
- 16. A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
- 17. The law that the police believe the defendant has broken.
- 20. Put off trial until another time.
- 21. A judge's office.
- 23. An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again from the selection of the jury.
- 24. A written order directing the arrest of a party. A search warrant orders that a specific location be searched for items, which if found, can be used in court as evidence.
- 25. Persons selected according to law and sworn to inquire into and declare a verdict on matters of fact.
- 29. (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- 30. The decision of a petit jury or a judge.
- 33. Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the judge or jury to decide the case for one side or the other.
- 34. Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
- 40. something that someone says happened.
- 41. examine Questioning of a witness by the attorney for the other side.
- 42. Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
- 43. evidence All evidence except eyewitness testimony.
- 44. A body of citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which are presented by the government, and determines whether there is probable cause to believe the offense was committed. As it is used in federal criminal cases, "the government" refers to the lawyers of the U.S. attorney's office who are prosecuting the case.
- 47. In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
- 49. Trial without a jury in which a judge decides the facts.
- 54. Government official with authority to decide lawsuits brought before courts. Other judicial officers in the U.S. courts system are Supreme Court justices.