Across
- 2. 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.
- 6. An official of the Judicial branch with authority to decide lawsuits brought before courts.
- 8. In a civil case, the person or organization against whom the plaintiff brings suit; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- 9. A serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison.
- 11. The release, prior to trial, of a person accused of a crime, under specified conditions designed to assure that person's appearance in court when required. Also, can refer to the amount of bond money posted as a financial condition of pretrial release.
- 12. In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges.
- 14. 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.
- 16. A command, issued under a court's authority, to a witness to appear and give testimony.
- 17. Court authorization, most often for law enforcement officers, to conduct a search or make an arrest.
- 21. Legal advice; a term also used to refer to the lawyers in a case.
- 23. An allegation in an indictment or information, charging a defendant with a crime. An indictment or information may contain allegations that the defendant committed more than one crime. Each allegation is referred to as a count.
- 25. An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again with the selection of a new jury.
- 26. A judgment of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- 27. A request made after a trial by a party that has lost on one or more issues that a higher court review the decision to determine if it was correct. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal."
- 29. The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a certain type of case. It also is used as a synonym for venue, meaning the geographic area over which the court has territorial jurisdiction to decide cases.
- 30. of limitations: The time within which a lawsuit must be filed or a criminal prosecution begun. The deadline can vary, depending on the type of civil case or the crime charged.
- 31. Jury: 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.
Down
- 1. sentence: Prison terms for two or more offenses to be served at the same time, rather than one after the other. Example: Two five-year sentences and one three-year sentence, if served concurrently, result in a maximum of five years behind bars.
- 3. sentence: Prison terms for two or more offenses to be served one after the other. Example: Two five-year sentences and one three-year sentence, if served consecutively, result in a maximum of 13 years behind bars.
- 4. The decision of a trial jury or a judge that determines the guilt or innocence of a criminal defendant.
- 5. An offense punishable by one year of imprisonment or less
- 7. 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.
- 10. The punishment ordered by a court for a defendant convicted of a crime.
- 13. A proceeding in which a criminal defendant is brought into court, told of the charges in an indictment or information, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
- 15. The release of a prison inmate – granted by the U.S. Parole Commission – after the inmate has completed part of his or her sentence in a federal prison. When the parolee is released to the community, he or she is placed under the supervision of a U.S. probation officer.
- 18. A written or printed statement made under oath.
- 19. To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government
- 20. Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
- 22. A jury verdict that a criminal defendant is not guilty, or the finding of a judge that the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction.
- 24. 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.
- 28. An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again with the selection of a new jury.