Criminal

Question 1

ABODE

Answer 1

Place of residence.

Question 2

ADJOURN

Answer 2

Postpone the hearing of a case to a later date.

Question 3

AFFIDAVIT

Answer 3

A written statement of facts which the deponent knows to be true. This is sworn on oath.

Question 4

ALIBI

Answer 4

Evidence to prove that the accused was not at the scene of a crime when it was committed.

Question 5

ANTECEDENTS

Answer 5

A persons past history including any previous criminal convictions.

Question 6

ASSAULT

Answer 6

Intentional and/or reckless act which causes someone physical harm.

Question 7

BAIL

Answer 7

Release by police or court of a person held in legal custody while awaiting trial or investigation.

Question 8

BENCH

Answer 8

Tribunal of three lay Magistrates sitting in court.

Question 9

BENCH WARRANT

Answer 9

An order issued by the courts for immediate arrest of someone.

Question 10

BRIEF

Answer 10

Written instructions to a barrister for a solicitor arguing why the client should win.

Question 11

CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

Answer 11

Evidence which is not usually seen by a witness but strongly suggests a fact because of circumstance. For example fingerprints.

Question 12

COMMITTAL

Answer 12

Process of sending a defendant to stand trial at the Crown Court before a jury or sending a defendant from the Magistrates’ to the Crown Court to be sentenced.

Question 13

CONTEMPT OF COURT

Answer 13

Conduct which interferes with the administration of justice such as refusing to answer questions before a court.

Question 14

CONVICTED

Answer 14

A person is convicted when found guilty.

Question 15

COUNSEL

Answer 15

A Barrister.

Question 16

CUSTODY

Answer 16

Lawful imprisonment or confinement by the state.

Question 17

DEFENDANT

Answer 17

Person accused of a criminal offence to which court proceedings are brought.

Question 18

DEPONENT

Answer 18

Person who give evidence by deposition.

Question 19

DEPOSITION

Answer 19

Evidence, either verbal or written given under oath.

Question 20

DISMISSED

Answer 20

The prosecution fails to prove its case beyond all reasonable doubt and the defendant is fount not guilty.

Question 21

DUTY SOLICITOR

Answer 21

A solicitor who is able to give free advice to a defendant at court or the police station.

Question 22

EITHER WAY OFFENCE

Answer 22

An offence tried in the Magistrates’ Court or in the Crown Court.

Question 23

INDICTABLE OFFENCE

Answer 23

An offence tried in only the Crown Court.

Question 24

INDICTMENT

Answer 24

A written document by the prosecution detailing the offence which is tried in the Crown Court.

Question 25

JURAT

Answer 25

Memorandum at the end of an affidavit which shows how many affidavits were sworn.

Question 26

MITIGATION

Answer 26

A statement giving reasons for the particular offence occurring aiming to reduce the seriousness.

Question 27

MODE OF TRIAL

Answer 27

Whether a defendant charged with an either way offence will be tried in the Magistrates’ Court or in the Crown Court.

Question 28

MURDER

Answer 28

Person who intentionally and unlawfully kills another person or persons.

Question 29

PLEA

Answer 29

Defendants formal response to a charge put by the prosecution, usually guilty or not guilty.

Question 30

PROSECUTION

Answer 30

(a) Prosecuting a case against an alleged offender.

(b) The body of conducting the case on behalf of the state.

Question 31

REGINA

Answer 31

The sovereign, prosecution are commenced in her name (Regina = Queen Rex = King).

Question 32

REMAND

Answer 32

When a case is adjourned a defendant can be held in remand to appear in court at a later date. They may be remanded on bail or in custody.

Question 33

SPENT CONVICTION

Answer 33

A previous conviction which no longer forms part of a persons criminal record as a certain time has elapsed.

Question 34

SUBPOENA

Answer 34

An order by the court for a person to appear in court to give evidence.

Question 35

SUMMONS

Answer 35

A court order issued for someone to appear in court.