Legal Terms Flashcards

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Acquittal

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A jury verdict that a criminal defendant is not guilty, or the finding of a judge that the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction.

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Admissible Evidence

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Evidence that can legally and properly be used in court.

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Affidavit

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A written or printed statement made under oath.

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Bail

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The release, prior to trial, of a person accused of a crime, under specified conditions designed to assure that person's appearance in court when required. Also, can refer to the amount of bond money posted as a financial condition of pretrial release.

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Burglary

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The breaking and entering a building with the intent to steal.

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Capital Offense

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A crime punishable by death.

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Felony

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A serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison.

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Grand Jury

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A body of 16-23 citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which is presented by the prosecutors, and determine whether there is probable cause to believe an individual committed an offense.

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Habeas Corpus

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Latin, meaning 'you have the body.'

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Hearsay

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Evidence presented by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. With some exceptions, hearsay generally is not admissible as evidence at trial.