Legal Terms

Question 1

Verdict

Answer 1

The decision by a jury of guilt or innocence

Question 2

True bill

Answer 2

The alternative name for an incitement

Question 3

Suspended sentence

Answer 3

A court order stating that the punishment of the defendant will be suspended if certain conditions are met.

Question 4

Summary judgement

Answer 4

The procedure in a civil suit that asks the court to give final judgement on the grounds there are no further questions and no need for a trial

Question 5

Summons

Answer 5

An order to appear before a court or a grand jury

Question 6

Subpoena

Answer 6

A document issued by a judge and served on a witness to compel his/her appearance in court

Question 7

Probation

Answer 7

The payment of money by a defendant to ensure his or her appearance for trial

Question 8

Probable clause

Answer 8

Reasonable ground for belief, in a criminal case, that the accused is guilty of a crime; or what is needed when a search warrant is sought.

Question 9

Plaintiff

Answer 9

The name of the person who brings a suit in a civil case

Question 10

Peremptory challenge

Answer 10

The ability of an attorney to dismiss a prospective without giving a reason

Question 11

Parole

Answer 11

The conditional release of a person from prison prior I the end of a maximum and imposed.

Question 12

Opening statement

Answer 12

The first statement by both sides In a trial telling the judge and /or jury the issues in the case and what the evidence will show

Question 13

Warrant

Answer 13

A court order directing law enforcement to arrest someone

Question 14

Adjudicate

Answer 14

To make a final determination or judgment by the court.

Question 15

Affidavit

Answer 15

A written declaration made under oath as to the facts in a case under trial

Question 16

Arraignment

Answer 16

The initial appearance of a defendant before a judge to be identified and informed of his constitutional rights and charges against him or her.

Question 17

Bail

Answer 17

The payment of money by a defendant to ensure his/her appearance for trial

Question 18

Clerk

Answer 18

The officer of the court who keep all the records

Question 19

Challenge for clause

Answer 19

Reasons for which a prospective juror can be dismissed involving bias or an inability to be impartial

Question 20

Cross examination

Answer 20

The questions that a lawyer puts to the opposing party and his or her witnesses.

Question 21

Docket

Answer 21

The list of cases pending before a court

Question 22

Extradition

Answer 22

The procedure to move a person charged with a crime from one state to another where he/she will be tried.

Question 23

Grand jury

Answer 23

The group of 23 citizens who investigate a crime and determine if charges should be brought by way of an indictment.

Question 24

Hung jury

Answer 24

The name for a jury that cannot reach a unanimous verdict.

Question 25

Mistrial

Answer 25

A trial that is set aside or declared invalid because of some error in the proceedings.

Question 26

Motion

Answer 26

A proposal made during a trial to change a major aspect of the trial, i.e. suppress evidence or set aside information.

Question 27

Nolo contendere

Answer 27

A defendant’s ple4ading that does not admit guilt but subjects him or her to punishment as though he or she had pleaded guilty