Courtroom Players and Civil v. Criminal

In a criminal case is the person being accused of committing a crime by the government. 

• Defendant

• Defense

• Offense

• Defender

At the U.S. District Court level in a criminal court case, the government is represented by the

• Defense Attorney

• Clerk

• Bailiff

• Prosecuting Attorney

A crime carrying a jail term of more than one year.

• Probation

• 8th Amendment

• Felony

• Misdemeanor

The defendant can retain, or hire, their own

• Defense Attorney

• Prosecuting Attorney

• Clerk

• Court Reporter

In a civil suit, the person bringing the case against another party is called the

• Defendant

• Attorney

• Judge

• Plaintiff

When attorneys help someone for free by donating their time, this is called

• Pro Bono

• Pro Se

• Pro Bucket

• Pro Service

Parties to a law suit are also allowed to represent themselves, and this is called

• Pro Bono

• Pro Se

• Pro Bucket

• Pro Service

If a judge decides on a trial it is known as

• Judge Trial

• Bench Trial

• Seat Trial

• Magistrate Trial

This is made up of ordinary citizens. In a federal trial there will be 12 member and during a civil trial anywhere from 6-12.

• Clerk

• Reporter

• Jury

• Judge

This person makes sure everything in the courtroom is in place and that the trial flows smoothly and according to plan.  They swear in anyone who must be placed under oath before testifying.  They also takes care of the members of the jury, ensuring they can move from place to place within the courthouse, and acting as a courier if the jury has questions to ask the judge during deliberation. 

• Clerk

• Court Reporter

• Bailiff

• Judge