Legal Lingo

4. To take a person into custody, by authority of law, for the purpose of charging him/her with a criminal offense.
5. Proof of fact(s) presented at a trial.
8. An act in violation or the penal laws of a state or the United States.
11. Cash or surety posted to procure the release of a defendant by ensuring his/her future attendance at court and compelling him/her to remain in the jurisdiction of the court.
12. A presiding officer of the court.
13. Give evidence as a witness in a law court.
15. A person’s acknowledgement of his/her involvement in criminal and/or prejudicial behavior.
17. A judgment of guilt against a criminal defendant.
19. A person under the age of 18.
21. An advocate, counsel, or official agent employed in preparing, managing, and trying cases in court.
22. Any public order or decision that is binding upon those to whom it is addressed.
23. Defendant’s answer to the charge – guilty, not guilty or nolo contendere.

1. A serious crime for which the punishment is prison for more than a year or death.
2. Persons selected according to law and sworn to inquire into and declare a verdict on matters of fact.
3. A dispute that has been taken to court; a lawsuit.
4. A person who knowingly and voluntarily participates with another in a criminal activity.
6. A person who testifies to what he/she has seen, heard, or otherwise experienced.
7. In a civil case, the person being sued. In a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
9. A person’s admission of enough facts to establish his/her guilt of a particular crime.
10. A person who commits an illegal act.
12. A person under the age of 18
14. The findings of a judge or jury at the end of a trial.
16. To send a person to prison, asylum, or reformatory by a court order.
18. Someone who suffers harm or loss or is killed by another.
20. Justice System, The network of courts and tribunals which deal with criminal law and its enforcement.