MCAP Review 13: Criminal Trials

Front

The primary purpose of a petit jury is to

Back

Decide the punishment for a crime

Answer explanation

The grand jury decides if there is enough evidence for a trial.

The petit jury decides the outcome of the trial (guilty or not guilty).

Front

What is the purpose of a grand jury in a criminal prosecution?

Back

to determine whether to formally charge a defendant with a crime

Answer explanation

A grand jury decides if there is enough evidence to officially accuse someone and send them to trial.

Front

Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have arrested a suspect in a number of bank robberies. Before bringing charges against this suspect, the government must first: Receive an indictment from a grand jury.

Back

Receive an indictment from a grand jury

Answer explanation

An indictment means an official accusation of a crime from a grand jury.

Front

Which concept does the prosecution's requirement to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the crime describe? Options: judicial review, habeas corpus, presumption (assumption) of innocence, popular sovereignty

Back

presumption (assumption) of innocence

Answer explanation

The defendant is presumed (assumed) innocent unless the prosecutor proves "beyond a reasonable doubt" (99% sure) they did the crime.

Front

The role of a grand jury is to determine

Back

whether there is enough evidence for an indictment.

Front

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Back

Felonies are more serious crimes with more severe punishments.

Answer explanation

Misdemeanors and felonies are both crimes.

A felony is more serious than a misdemeanor.