TERMS AND DEFINITIONS Flashcards
(200 cards)
Custody
Legal or physical control of a person or thing.
Arraignment
The hearing before the court in which the identity of the defendant is established, the defendant is informed of the charge and of their rights, and the defendant enters a plea.
Plea
A defendant’s formal answer in court to the charge contained in a complaint or indictment.
Nolo Contendere
A defendant’s plea to a criminal charge in which the defendant states that he / she does not contest the charge, but neither admits guilt nor claims innocence.
In Loco Parentis (Juvenile)
Having rights and responsibilities of a parent with respect to the care and supervision of a child.
Guardian Ad Litem (Juvenile)
A person appointed by the court to represent a minor
Intent (Mens Rea)
Either to cause a particular result or with knowledge that a particular result will occur.
Motive
The cause that moves or stimulates a person to act.
Circumstantial Evidence
Evidence that does not directly prove a fact, but raises a strong inference or suggestion.
Double Jeopardy
Prohibits the prosecution of a defendant for the same offense twice (5th Amendment)
Entrapment
The act of a law enforcement office in inducing a person to commit a crime that the person was not otherwise disposed to commit.
Exigent Circumstances
A set of circumstances requiring immediate attention or swift action. (Prevent imminent danger to life or damage to property)
Concurrent Sentence
If an offender has more than one sentence, all sentences are served at the same time.
Consecutive Sentences
If an offender has more than one sentence, the first sentence shall be served before the start of the second.
Megan’s Law
Requirement of LE agencies to make information available to the public regarding sex offenders and their release into the public. Information released consists of the name of the released offender and the location of where the offender will be living.
Curtilage
The ground and buildings immediately surrounding a dwelling and used for domestic purposes
Good Faith Exception
An exception to the Exclusionary Rule, whenever a LE officer acting with objective good faith has obtained a search warrant from a detached and neutral judge, and acted within its scope, evidence seized pursuant to the warrant will not be excluded.
Tort
A private or civil wrong or injury
36 Hour Rule
The suspect must be formally charged, excludes the day of arrest, Sundays, and legal Holidays.
48 Hour Rule
A judge must make a determination on the probable cause presented to hold or release a suspect.
Petty Misdemeanor
An offense prohibited by statute, which does not constitute a crime. Fine up to $300
Misdemeanor
A crime punishable by imprisonment up to 90 days and or a fine of $1000
Gross Misdemeanor
A crime punishable by imprisonment up to 364 days and or a fine of $3000
Felony
A crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year