20 important legal terms used in criminal matters, along with their explanations
Arrest: The act of taking a person into custody by a law enforcement officer, typically based on suspicion of committing a crime.
Bail: The temporary release of an accused person from custody, usually upon payment of a specified amount of money, to ensure their appearance in court.
Arraignment: The formal reading of criminal charges to the accused person in court, to which they are required to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
Indictment: A formal accusation issued by a grand jury that charges an individual with committing a crime. It signifies that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial.
Plea: The response given by the accused in court to the charges brought against them (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
Conviction: A formal declaration of guilt by a court or jury after a trial, resulting in a criminal record for the accused.
Trial: A legal proceeding in which the facts of a case are examined, witnesses are heard, and a verdict is reached by a judge or jury.
Evidence: Information, documents, or physical objects presented in court to prove or disprove facts relevant to the case.
Witness: A person who provides testimony or evidence in court based on their firsthand knowledge of the events or facts related to the case.
Jury: A group of citizens selected to hear the evidence presented in a trial and determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Defense attorney: The lawyer who represents the accused person and advocates for their rights and interests throughout the criminal proceedings.
Prosecution: The government or state entity responsible for bringing criminal charges against an individual on behalf of the public.
Cross-examination: The questioning of a witness by the opposing party or their attorney to challenge or discredit their testimony.
Habeas corpus: A legal action that requires a person under arrest to be brought before a court to determine whether their detention is lawful.
Miranda rights: The constitutional rights that must be read to an individual upon arrest, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Double jeopardy: The principle that protects an individual from being tried twice for the same offense after they have been acquitted or convicted.
Plea bargain: An agreement reached between the prosecution and the defense, in which the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge or accepts a reduced sentence.
Sentencing: The imposition of a punishment or penalty by the court upon an individual who has been found guilty of a crime.
Statute of limitations: The time limit within which criminal charges must be filed against an individual for a particular offense, after which prosecution is barred.
Appeal: A legal process by which a higher court reviews the decision of a lower court to determine if any errors were made in the application of the law or legal procedures.
Note:
These terms provide a basic understanding of the criminal justice system and its processes. However, it's important to consult a legal professional for more specific and detailed information related to criminal matters.