Ch 10 Terms Flashcards
Courts that hear appeals from lower courts.
appellate court
A criminal trial that is held without jury, as requested by the person charged.
bench trial
Burden of proof on the state in a criminal case.
beyond a reasonable doubt
Law that deals with private rights and seeks damages rather than punishment.
civil law
Law that regulates individual conduct and seek to protect society by punishing criminal acts.
criminal law
The person charged with a crime or the subject of a civil suit.
defendant
When an appellate court convenes all of its members to hear an appeal.
en banc
A philosophical approach dictating that the purpose of the courts is to take an active role in public policymaking.
judicial activism
The power of a court to hear a case.
jurisdiction
A law enacted by incorporated cities and towns; violation punishable by fine only and heard in municipal court.
ordinance
The authority of a court to try a case for the first time.
original jurisdiction
The person or entity that initiates a civil lawsuit.
plaintiff
A process in which the accused receives a lighter sentence than could be expected from a trial verdict in exchange for a guilty plea.
plea bargaining
The majority of evidence in a civil case.
preponderance
A government employee who initiates criminal cases against individuals.
prosecutor
