CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Plaintiff- The person who begins a case in a civil court by bringing a lawsuit against another.

Defendant – A person who is charged with an offence as a result of a formal complaint (Querella) issued by a law enforced agent or citizen who believes an offence has been committed against their person or property.

Prosecure – ( fiscal ) A person who represents the interests of the community in all criminals traits.

Compromise- A settlement of a dispute in which each side gives up something.

Competent – In the law, legally qualified to perform an act.

Defense Attorney- A person who represents the defendant.

Grand Jury- A panel of citizens who are gathered to consider evidence.

Indictment-(Dictamen) If the grand jury feels there is enough evidence to merit a trial they issue an indictment.

Probable cause- Reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed and that the defendant may have committed the offence.

First Degree- A crime that carries the potential penalty of 10- 20 years in prison.

Second Degree- A crime that carries the potential penalty of 5- 10 years in prison.

Third degree- A crime that carries the potential penalty of 3-5 years in prison.

Fourth degree- A crime that carries the potential penalty of 18 months in prison.

Right to counsel- Defendant is entitled to have an attorney present at each stage of the criminal justice process.

Miranda rights- Base on the Supreme Court decision of Miranda v. Arizona, it is required that all law enforcement personnel, when apprehending a suspect, must inform them that they have the right to remain silent, they have the right to see an attorney, and if they cannot afford one that will be provide at no cost.

Settle – to end a lawsuit by mutual agreement without court action.

Represent- To act as a spokesperson for.

Reckless Endangerment- Lack of caution.

Pre-nuptial- Before marriage.

Pre barging- The act of negotiating an agreement in which defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge and the prosecutor in return drops more serious charges.

Paralegal – A specially trained person who acts as an assistant to an attorney.

Offer - A presenting of something for acceptance.

Negotiate- To try to come an agreement thought discussion and compromise.

Intoxicated- Drunk

Hazardous – dangerous

Grounds - The reasons or basis for doing, deciding, or believing.

Estate – All the property and possessions left at the time of person’s death.

Diligent –Done with careful attention and effort.

Defendant – A person, organization, or company accused of wrongdoing an required to appear in civil or criminal court to answer the charges.

Damages – In law, money paid by order of a court to someone who has suffered injury or loss.

Criminal cases – A crime is wrongdoing as classified by a town, city, a state, or the federal government. A crime act is prosecuted buy a district attorney against a person charged with the crime.

Contract Case – A contract is an agreement between two or more parties. The agreement can be formal, informal, writing, spoken, or simply understood by each party.  ( Examples or loan documents, or rental agreements.)

Civil case- involves a dispute between two or more parties, which can be individuals, businesses, or government organizations. One or more of the parties turn to the court system to settle the dispute.

Arbitration- The hearing and determination of a case in controversy.

Warrant – A written order from court directing law enforcement officers to conduct a search or arrest.

Subpoena – A written order issued by a court that requires a person to appear at a certain time and place to give testimony. It can also require that documents and objects be made available for examination by the court.

Due Process – The right of people suspected of or charged with crimes, the procedures followed by courts to ensure that a defendant rights are not violated.

Felony – A relatively serious offense punishable by death or by confinement in prison for more than one year.

Misdemeanor – a less serious crime generally punishable by a fine or by incarceration in jail for not more than one year.

Antique – An object that is over 100 years old.