Chapter 8
1. Rule of law – ruled by laws rather than rulers.
2. Due process – fair procedures that are provided to all
3. Code of Hammurabi – one of the earliest written law codes
4. Precedent – previous decisions by the courts which serve as models on how to
judge a case.
5. Civil law – this governs everyday relations between citizens.
6. Criminal law – concerns the prosecution and punishment of individuals for crimes.
7. Constitutional law – consists of the Constitution itself and those federal laws that
protect our rights under the Constitution.
8. Military law – special laws/procedures that apply to those in the military.
9. Statutory law – laws passed by legislatures, also known as statutes.
10. Common law – based on precedent (prior court decisions). Judges must look
at other cases to help “fill in the gaps” when making their decisions.
11. State laws – laws passed by the state legislature and applies to the state.
12. Federal laws – laws passed by U.S. Congress.
13. Court – a public place where disputes are resolved according to law.
14. Jury – a panel of neutral citizens who hear your case and determine if
“guilty” or “not guilty.”
15. Court orders – an order sent by the court that MUST be followed.
16. Felony – more serious crime such as burglary, murder, kidnapping.
17. Misdemeanor – small claims/lesser crimes
18. Plaintiff – a person filing a complaint.
19. Defendant – a person who is sued or on trial.
20. Unbiased – may not favor one side or the other
21. Verdict – decision or judgement in the case.
22. Appeal – request a higher court to check over the case for errors.
23. Search warrant – official permission from a judge to search a place for
evidence.
24. Probable cause – reason to believe someone is guilty of something.
25. Arraignment – This is the step where the suspect pleads “guilty” or “not
guilty”.
26. Plea-bargain – the defendant negotiates with the District Attorney before
trial to get a lesser punishment.
27. Burden of proof – the prosecution must prove your guilt – you don’t
have to prove your innocence.
28. Sentencing – If found guilty, then the judge decides what the punishment
is.
29. Counsel – another word for lawyer or attorney
30. Writ of certiorari – an order by an appellate court granting a request for
judicial review.