Unit 4 - Definitions

Question 1

Appearance notice

Answer 1

A legal document stating that the person to whom it is issued is alleged to have a committed a criminal offence, and requiring that person to appear in court at a specified time.

Question 2

Information

Answer 2

A written complaint, made under oath, stating that there is reason to believe that a person has committed a criminal offence

Question 3

Arrest

Answer 3

To deprive a person of his or her liberty by legal authority so that he or she may answer to a criminal charge

Question 4

Summons

Answer 4

1) an order to appear in criminal court
2) an order to a defendant requesting him or her to appear for trial to defend a plaintiffs claim

Question 5

Warrant for arrest

Answer 5

A document issued by a justice or judge to peace officers of a territory giving them the right to arrest an accused and bring him or her before the court

Question 6

Forensic science

Answer 6

Science dealing with the application of medical science to law

Question 7

Material witness

Answer 7

A person whose evidence is important in a court of law

Question 8

Venue

Answer 8

The location of the trial

Question 9

Prima facie

Answer 9

On the face of something; something presumed to be turned unless disproved by some evidence to the contrary.

Crown prosecutor provides enough evidence that someone could be guilty. Hearing before the actual trial.

Question 10

Disclosure

Answer 10

The crown is required to disclose all its evidence, so that the accused has a full understanding of the crowns case and can prepare a defence. Even evidence helps the defence.

Question 11

Duty counsel

Answer 11

Lawyer who is on duty at a police station or court room, to give legal advice to those arrested and/or brought before the court

Question 12

Search warrant

Answer 12

A document issued by a Justice or judge to peace officers of a territory giving them the right to search a specific location, at a specific time, for a specific reason

Question 13

Tele-warrant

Answer 13

A warrant obtained by a peace officer, via telephone communication with a Justice or judge, giving the officer the right to conduct a search

Question 14

Preliminary hearing

Answer 14

A hearing held to determine if there is sufficient evidence to justify a trial

Question 15

Search

Answer 15

A police procedure, to look for evidence that may be used in a court of law

Question 16

Recidivism

Answer 16

The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.

Relapse into crime; the return to prison of criminal repeaters

Question 17

Log

Answer 17

an official file, held by the police, containing details of any criminal offences committed by an individual.