Grand Jury
The jury that determines if there is enough evidence to go to trial
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Degree of certainty necessary for the jury to convict (declare guilty); there is no doubt about the guilt of this particular person
Indictment
A grand jury issues this if they believe there is enough evidence presented to go to trial
Trial
During this phase, each side (prosecution and defense) gets to share its side of the facts; a judge listens; a jury decides on guilt or innocence
Hung Jury
When a jury cannot (unanimously) agree on a verdict of guilt or innocence
Booking
When the offender is processed into the system; photos and fingerprints are taken
Arraignment
The judge officially reads the defendant the charges and the defendant often has the chance to plea bargain
Prosecution
The lawyers working for the government who are trying to prove guilt
Defense/Defendant
The person accused of the crime or trying to prove innocence
plaintiff
someone filing a lawsuit in a civil case
Misdemeanor
smaller crime
plea bargain
taking a lesser sentence
felony
harsher crime with longer sentences
perjury
lying under oath
restitution
paying back money for damages
probation
given in place of jail with guidelines to follow
parole
early release from prison or jail
administrative law
laws passed governments agencies
common law
based on previous cases and precent
acquittal
not guilty verdict