Criminal Law Vocabulary

2. Jeopardy – The constitutional protection against being tried twice for the same offense.
7. Bargain – An agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge to avoid trial.
9. – The court proceeding where the defendant is formally charged and enters a plea.
10. – A serious crime usually punishable by more than one year in prison.
14. Rea – The mental state or intent behind committing a crime (“guilty mind”).
15. – A less serious crime, usually punishable by a fine or less than one year in jail.
17. a Reasonable Doubt – The standard of proof required for a criminal conviction.
19. – A formal written accusation issued by a grand jury charging someone with a crime.
20. – Money or property given to the court to ensure the defendant returns for trial.

1. – A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a crime.
3. – A legal judgment that a defendant is not guilty of the crime charged.
4. – Payment by the offender to the victim for harm or loss caused by the crime.
5. – A legal order requiring a person to appear in court or produce documents.
6. Evidence – Indirect evidence that implies a fact but does not prove it directly.
8. Reus – The physical act of committing a crime (“guilty act”).
11. of Proof – The obligation to prove allegations presented in a court of law.
12. – The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.
13. Evidence – Evidence that directly proves a fact (e.g., eyewitness testimony).
16. Cause – A reasonable belief that a crime has been committed, allowing police to make an arrest or search.
18. – Testimony about what someone else said outside of court; usually not admissible.