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Criminal Procedures
AJ102 Rio Hondo College Kelli Florman
187
Criminal Justice
Undergraduate 1
12/08/2010

Additional Criminal Justice Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Reason why we have laws
Definition
1) Protect society from crime 2)Protect individual rights. 3) Solve the crime problem. 4) Prevent Crime 5) A guidance for human behavior.
Term
Code of Hammurabi
Definition
Ancient written code of contduct asserted the power of the State, protected the weaker from the stronger, and attempted to restore equity between the offender and the victim.
Term
Common Law
Definition
A set of unwritten regulations and customs that acted as guidelines for settling disputes, determining the inheritance of property, and dealing with persons who committed crimes.
Term
Felony
Definition
Crime classification that subjects the violator to the most severe punishment either by death, imprisonment in a state prison, or imprisonment for more than a year.
Term
Misdemeanor
Definition
Crime Classification that subject the violator to a punishment that is usually not more than a year in jail.
Term
Infraction
Definition
Crime classification that subjects the violator to a fine or probation, but in most states, no imprisonment
Term
Magna Charta
Definition
A document which is the forerunner of the present "due process" rights because it granted the people of England certain political and civil rights
Term
Atonement
Definition
In early England, an offender's or the offender's family's payment of a price of horses or money in order to bring about peace in the community.
Term
5th Amendment
Definition
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibiting double jeopardy and prohibits compelling a person in a criminal case to be a witness against him/herself.
Term
8th Amendment
Definition
Amendment to the U.S. constitution prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment.
Term
6th Amendment
Definition
U.S. Constitution right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury and the right to have the assistance of counsel.
Term
14th Amendment
Definition
U.S. Constitution prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law and from denying any person the equal protection of the laws.
Term
Some California Codes that are chaptered under final law
Definition
Penal codes, Vehicle codes, Labor Codes, Civil Codes.
Term
Administrative Law
Definition
The regulatory rules passed by agencies falling under the executive branch of government.
Term
Case Law
Definition
The court interpretations of law contained in published, written opinions of appellate of supreme courts.
Term
Initiative Process
Definition
Voters can act directly to change laws when they think the legislature and courts are not doing the right thing.
Term
Courts of General Jurisdiction
Definition
grants authority to hear and decide all issues that are brought before them and normally hear all major civil or criminal cases.
Term
Courts of Limited jurisdiction
Definition
Juvenile courts, Bankruptcy courts, and probate courts are examples of this courts.
Term
Superior Court of California
Definition
Trial courts in California
Term
Districts
Definition
Appellate courts in California that are divided into geographic areas
Term
7 judges
Definition
Amount of justices who sit on California's Supreme Court
Term
no, They have a choice to hear it or not
Definition
Must the CA supreme court hear every case that is appealed to it?
Term
District Court Judges
Definition
The Lowest level of the federal court system and have original jurisdiction over cases involving a violation of federal statutes.
Term
9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco
Definition
Federal Circuit Court of Appeals that covers California
Term
U.S. Supreme Court
Definition
Highest Court in the Land
Term
Jurisdiction
Definition
The power the court has to hear the case
Term
Venue
Definition
The location of where the court case will be heard
Term
Substantive Criminal Law
Definition
Law that defines crime
Term
Criminal Procedure
Definition
Rules used to enforce substantive law.
Term
4th amendment
Definition
U.S. Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires probable cause before warrants are issued
Term
Exclusionary Rule
Definition
illegally obtained evidence is inadmissible in court
Term
Discovery rule
Definition
The police can prove that they would have found the evidence legally anyway, then they can use the evidence in court.
Term
Mapp Vs. Ohio
Definition
The Exclusionary Rule applies to state action.
Term
Weeks V. United States
Definition
established the Exclusionary Rule and applied it to federal action.
Term
Persons, houses, papers, and effects
Definition
Places under the protection from the constitution for unreasonable searches
Term
Voluntary, Knowing, and Authorized
Definition
Consent must be...
Term
Plain View Doctrine
Definition
Authorizes seizure of evidence visible to a police officer who is lawfully in a position to see and touch the evidence.
Term
Curtilage
Definition
open field where a Search Warrant is needed before a search in on private property as long as the area is where common living area does not occur
Term
Warrant Process
Definition
An Affidavit must be written and include probable cause, must be particular with description of items to be seized and people searched. Must be given to the Magistrate to be signed as soon as possible.
Term
Arrest
Definition
The taking of a person into custody in the manner authorized by the law
Term
Probable cause
Definition
facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe that person to be arrested has committed a crime. An arresting officer must have this level of proof.
Term
Arrest Warrant
Definition
A written order issued by the proper judicial officer upon a showing of probable cause directing the arrest of a particular person.
Term
The most common form of arrest
Definition
Not with an arrest warrant
Term
Police entry of a private home with warrant?
Definition
Yes police may enter without a warrant
Term
Terry v Ohio
Definition
Case that developed the concept of the stop and frisk in 1968
Term
Reasonable suspicion
Definition
The level of proof in order to make an investigative stop.
Term
Reasonable amount of time
Definition
Length of time allowed during an investigative stop.
Term
Instances when a city police officer is allowed to make an arrest outside the officer's city limits
Definition
1)Warrant for arrest 2) Hot Pursuit 3) Mutual Aid Contract 4) Citizen's Arrest Powers
Term
Reasonable Force
Definition
Used by officers to effect an arrest,prevent escape, or to overcome resistance
Term
Search a person incident to arrest
Definition
Police need a warrant to search
Term
Conduct a warrant-less search of a dresser next to a person
Definition
As long as it is at the same time of arrest and at lunge distance.
Term
Miranda Vs. Arizona
Definition
U.S. Supreme Court Case that requires police officers to advise suspects of their constitutional rights before custodial interrogation.
Term
Immunity from Arrest
Definition
1)Diplomatic immunity, 2)Wanted for as a witness to case, but has warrant out for arrest. 3)Legislators.
Term
Booking
Definition
the process occurring after arrest which consists of recording the arrest in official law enforcement records and fingerprinting and photographing the accused.
Term
3 phone calls
Definition
Amount of phone calls an arrested person has the right to.
Term
citation
Definition
a written notice issued to a violator to appear in court.
Term
victims in California are not allowed to press charges
Definition
Are victims in California allowed to press charges and drop charges?
Term
Circumstance when a prosecutor chooses not to file charges.
Definition
1) not enough evidence, 2) minor charge 3) against legislative intent 4) antiquated statute 5) grant immunity 6)not in victim's best interest 7) costs too much
Term
Alternatives to charging an individual by a California prosecutor.
Definition
1) no charge 2) office hearing 3)refer case to other agencies 4) return to police for further investigation 5) refer to grand jury.
Term
Done during Initial appearance
Definition
1) told charges 2) appoint attorney 3) determine probable cause 4) bail 5) inform defendant's rights.
Term
Unnecessary Delay
Definition
An arrested person must be taken before a magistrate without this.
Term
Complaint
Definition
1) accusatory pleading 2) Legal Document 3) Before initial appearance, defines charges.
Term
Bail
Definition
Money held by the court to make sure the defendant comes back to court.
Term
right to post bail and be released before trial
Definition
Right given to every arrested person
Term
Items used to post bail.
Definition
1) Money 2) Surety 3) Property 4) Bonds
Term
Fee that a bail bondsman charges to post bail.
Definition
10% of the bail amount
Term
8th Amendment
Definition
U.S. constitution prohibiting excessive bail.
Term
one cannot post bail
Definition
is not excessive bail
Term
Bail money after defendant is released and doesn't return to court
Definition
Money becomes state money (Forfeited bail) or Bail is revoked and defendant is detained.
Term
Surety
Definition
Releasing defendants after arrest merely upon their promise to appear in court.
Term
Bounty Hunters
Definition
Civilians hired by bondsman to arrest defendants who skip out on bail.
Term
Arraignment
Definition
Step where the defendant has an opportunity to plea to his or her charges.
Term
Guilty
Definition
An admission of every element of the offense charged, meaning no proof of the crime is needed to be presented.
Term
Alford Plea or no contest
Definition
Guilty plea accepted if accompanied by a claim of innocence.
Term
Nolo Contendere
Definition
The plea that cannot be used in a civil matter.
Term
Qualifications of serving on a Grand jury
Definition
1)Ordinary intelligence 2) U.S. Citizen 3) Speaks English 4) 18y.o.+
Term
Purpose of an indictment
Definition
1) Informs grand jury of the charge about which they will receive 2) Endorses the indictment, agreement to take defendant to trial 3) able to issue warrant for arrest from judge. 4) accusatory pleading.
Term
Counts
Definition
When an accused is charged with more than one felony and may be included in the same indictment.
Term
Probable Cause
Definition
Determine whether a case against a defendant should proceed to trial
Term
Grand Jury Votes for indictment
Definition
doesn't have to be unanimous.
Term
Grand Jury Hearing
Definition
no judge, no defendant, no defense attorney, only prosecutor, witness, & jury, held in secret, files an indictment, jury decides probable cause, group of people in the community.
Term
Preliminary hearing
Definition
Judge, defense attorney, defendant, and prosecutor present. Judge decides probable cause. Judge files the "information". Open to the public.
Term
Coroner
Definition
the official who investigates the cause of certain deaths that take place within the county.
Term
Change of Venue Reasons
Definition
Hostile community, defendant not from community, prejudice, judges apply rights different depending on liberal or conservative counties, publicity or exposure,
Term
Decision maker of venue change
Definition
Judge makes the decision for venue change.
Term
statue of limitations
Definition
provides that some prosecution action must be commenced against an accused within a certain limit of time after the crime is committed.
Term
California's statute of limitations for death or life in prison offenses
Definition
no statute applies
Term
California's statute of limitations for rape
Definition
10 years
Term
California's statute of limitations for offenses punishable by 8 years +
Definition
6 years
Term
California's statute of limitations for death or life in prison offensesCalifornia's statute of limitations for offenses punishable by less than 8 years
Definition
3 years
Term
California's statute of limitations for misdemeanors and infractions
Definition
3 years for molesting children, 1 year for all others.
Term
Amount of people in a trial jury
Definition
12 people usually, at least 6 or more people.
Term
Bench Trial
Definition
A trial without a jury
Term
Public Trial
Definition
a trial where it is free for the public to view
Term
Gag Order
Definition
A court order limiting the amount of information about a case that may be given to the press.
Term
Illinois v. Allen
Definition
Determined that an unruly defendant can be put in contempt.
Term
Witnesses duty based on 6th amendment
Definition
Witnesses against the defendant must appear in court to present their facts.
Term
Right to counsel in petty cases
Definition
Defendant has the right, but is not appointed counsel.
Term
Indigent defendants
Definition
must be provided counsel for a preliminary hearing.
Term
Waiver of counsel
Definition
Must be knowing and intelligently waived. choice of self representation may occur
Term
Reasons a person may want to represent him or herself
Definition
To present a human face to the defendant. For defendant to appear more human. No trust with lawyers. conspire against prosecution. Receive gratification.
Term
Motion
Definition
Request for the Judge to do something from defense or prosecution.
Term
Motion for Discovery
Definition
An Attorney's right to inspect, review, and copy certain materials held by the prosecutor that are anticipated to be introduced as evidence during trial.
Term
Pretrial Discovery
Definition
Created to benefit the defense to help ensure a fair trial.
Term
penalties to failure to present discovery material
Definition
Hold in contempt of court. More time to defense to research evidence. Evidence deemed inadmissible. Announcement to Jury.
Term
Motion to Suppress Evidence
Definition
Motion to declare evidence inadmissible due to the evidence being illegally obtained.
Term
Motion to Dismiss charges
Definition
asking the judge to dismiss all charges against the defendant.
Term
Continuance
Definition
Asking Judge for more time or delay. Reasons: More time for witness, lab results, change attorney, sick, attorney has another trial scheduled, scheduling expert witness.
Term
Dismiss charges by Prosecutor
Definition
New evidence showing not guilty. Problems with witness. judge excludes evidence. destroyed evidence. In exchange for testimony against another.
Term
Motion for severance of offenses
Definition
to separate certain charges in a series of multiple charges to different trials.
Term
Motion for severance of defendants
Definition
to have a trial separate from the trial of any co-defendants.
Term
competency hearing
Definition
A hearing to determine competency if competency is in question.
Term
Competency
Definition
the accused's mental state at the time of trial. The ability to understand what happens in the courtroom and can assist in his/her own defense.
Term
Pre-Trial Conference
Definition
Attorneys agree to stipulations and determines how many days each side anticipates taking to present its case.
Term
Stipulations
Definition
certain facts that are agreed upon by both attorneys meaning that they agree about those facts and they can tell them to the jury with no need to present testimony during trial to prove them.
Term
Diversions
Definition
crimes such as 1st time drug offenses, domestic violence, child abuse & neglect, and juvenile can be processed to treatment, rehabilitation, or other correctional programs.
Term
D.A.'s Probation
Definition
Prosecutor agrees to dismiss a minor case after 6 month continuance if no further problems occur in that 6 month period.
Term
Adversarial system
Definition
A justice system with two sides battling. Defendant vs. Prosecution or Plaintiff
Term
Superior Court Judges Term
Definition
Judges are elected to 6 year terms.
Term
Duties of a Trial Judge
Definition
1) Maintain Order 2) Make sure rules are applied fairly 3) determines guilty or not guilty on a bench trial 4)issues a sentencing 5) issues warrants 6) decides probable cause 7) tells defendants their rights 8) tells charges 9)sets bail 10) appoints attorney 11) accepts plea 12) grants motions/deny motions 13) determines competency 14) determines what evidence is admissible. 15) ruling on objections. 16) Instruction to Jury 17) contempt of court powers
Term
Direct contempt
Definition
Penalty in court that happens in front of the judge. 1) using profanity 2) defying judges orders 3) disruption 4) tardiness 5) witness refusing to be sworn 6)witness not answering the question 7) cellphone use 8) eating and chew gum.
Term
Indirect contempt
Definition
Penalty of court that happens outside of court away from judge. 1) violation of gag order 2) talking to jury member 3) jury talking to anyone about the case 4) Prosecutor not providing discovery 5) subpoena refusal 6) summons refusal
Term
Prosecuting attorney
Definition
An elected official whos duties are to file charges, plea bargain, request to issue indictment, decide which charge to try, decide charge levels, conduct office hearing, writes warrant request, determines if arrest is valid, gives advice for arrest, presents evidence for probable cause, recommend bail at initial appearance, show probable cause to continue trial, file or argue motions, sentencing recommendations and can issue a D.A.'s probation.
Term
Defense attorney
Definition
Attorney for the defense who's duties are to protect the rights of the defendant, call witnesses, file motions that will help client, plea bargains, questions witness, recommend jury, recommend sentencing, argue that probable cause is not present, advise client to take plea bargain, advise about testifying and preparation for testifying, opening and closing statements, raise reasonable doubt, keep client conversations secret.
Term
Public Attorney
Definition
Attorney who works for the county and provides defense to the indigent.
Term
Appointed Counsel
Definition
Attorney in the community that offer their services to be a defender.
Term
Contract Defense Counsel
Definition
Works for a law firm that has a contract with the county.
Term
Clerk of Court
Definition
A trial participant who maintains all records of a particular case
Term
Bailiff
Definition
Trail participant who assists the judge in maintaining order in the courtroom.
Term
Court Reporter
Definition
Trail participant who records everything said during the trial proceedings.
Term
Jury of comprising of one's peers
Definition
The jury is made up of persons representing a cross section of the community in which the trial takes place.
Term
Potential Juror list source
Definition
Voter Registration, DMV, Phone Book, Property list.
Term
Juror qualifications
Definition
18+y.o., U.S. Citizen, Speak and understand English, no felonies, resident of the county, average intelligence, have senses, move, and speak.
Term
Disqualification of potential juror
Definition
If a juror has felony, blindness, age too young, not citizen, etc.
Term
Exempt Jurors
Definition
Due to undue hardship and occupations that are important in the community.
Term
Undue Hardship
Definition
Reason for personally not being able to be a juror due to juror having a one person business, lack of financial stability, health issues, or a single parent.
Term
Voir Dire
Definition
The examination of a jurors by both the prosecution and the defense to kick off jurors that they don't want on the trial.
Term
Implied bias
Definition
Bias which disqualifies a juror based on a relationship with the defendant (by blood, marriage, girlfriend/boyfriend) or as an employer or employee, landlord/tenant, or has heard a prior case for the defendant.
Term
Peremptory challenge
Definition
Limited amount of challenges given to both defense and prosecution to kick off a juror for any reason.
Term
Alternate jurors
Definition
2 are required in addition to the 12 jurors selected. There can be up to 6. Listens to the case like the rest of the jury, but cannot vote or join in deliberations.
Term
Sequestered
Definition
To keep separate from the outside world.
Term
Beyond a reasonable doubt
Definition
Level of proof need to find the defendant guilty.
Term
Hearsay Rule Exceptions
Definition
Excited utterances, Statement against penal interest, dying declaration, business records, past memory recorded, statements from doctors from patient seeking treatment,
Term
Hearsay Rule
Definition
Any out of court statement being used in court to prove the truth of the matter stated or the statement.
Term
Lay Witness
Definition
Eyewitness and victims are examples.
Term
Expert Witness
Definition
an individual who has knowledge and skill in a particular field that is beyond the knowledge of the average person on the street.
Term
Subpoena
Definition
A legal document that is used to notify a person officially that he or she is to appear in court.
Term
Duces Tecum
Definition
Bring an object with the witness to court.
Term
Direct Examination
Definition
Ask Witness questions by the person who called the witness.
Term
leading questions
Definition
Questions that indicates the desired answer. Cannot be asked during direct examination.
Term
Objections
Definition
rephrase, hearsay, relevance, speculation, badgering, argumentative, non responsive
Term
Sustains an objection
Definition
Judge acknowledges and accepts objection as valid. Witness doesn't answer question.
Term
Overrules an objection
Definition
Judge denies the objection and witness must answer the question.
Term
cross examination
Definition
When the questions are asked by the attorney who didn't call up the witness. Questions can be leading. Purpose of impeaching the witness for being unreliable.
Term
Motion to directed verdict
Definition
Ask the judge to determine a verdict of aquittal
Term
Mc'Naughten Test for Insanity
Definition
Due to mental disease or defect, the defendant doesn't know what they are doing or don't know what they were doing was wrong. Insanity must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Term
Syndromes as a defense
Definition
War syndromes, battered women syndrome, post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Term
Procedure after both side present their evidence.
Definition
After both sides rest their case, there is a rebuttal case and then closing arguments.
Term
Charging
Definition
Instructing the jury.
Term
People who may give instruction to jury
Definition
Judge and attorneys on both sides.
Term
jury instructions
Definition
Definition of crimes, juror rules, etc.
Term
Foreperson
Definition
Leader of the discussion, reads verdict, signs verdict
Term
Reasonable doubt
Definition
No abiding conviction of the truth of the charge.
Term
Hung Jury
Definition
When there isn't an unanimous decision on a verdict. a mistrial
Term
"Polled" juror
Definition
Ask each juror individually what they decide on the verdict.
Term
Judges powers after verdict
Definition
the Judge can modify the verdict by finding the defendant guilty of a lesser crime.
Term
Motion for new trial
Definition
may not be made at any time during the trial.
Term
Reasons for a judge to grant a defense motion asking for a new trial
Definition
juror misconduct or new evidence found outside of court.
Term
Circumstances to declare a mistrial
Definition
Misconduct that is so prejudicial that the defense would be denied a fair trial.
Term
Grounds for defense to raise an appeal
Definition
unconstitutional, legality of procedures not followed, no jurisdiction.
Term
Brief
Definition
submitted to the appellate court that sets forth the alleged errors committed during the trial.
Term
Consecutive sentences
Definition
each sentence for each crime charged run one after the other
Term
concurrent sentences
Definition
when multiple sentences run at the same time.
Term
Primary purpose of probation
Definition
Incapacitation and restoration
Term
Conditions imposed on an offender sentenced to probation
Definition
Sentenced under supervision, must have a job, can't leave jurisdiction, no weapons allowed, stay out of trouble, no drugs, no alcohol.
Term
States with death penalty
Definition
35 out of 50 states
Term
Aggravating circumstances
Definition
circumstances that make the defendant seem more guilty based on how the crime was committed.
Term
Mitigating circumstances
Definition
circumstances that make the defendant seem less guilty based on how the crime was committed.
Term
Pronouncement of judgement
Definition
happens after the verdict returns as guilty.
Term
Extradition
Definition
When someone flees after committing a crime to another country and needs to be brought back.
Term
Writ of habeas Corpus
Definition
Order of the court to produce the prisoner to prove lawfulness of detention.
Term
Writ of Certiorari
Definition
submitted by the appellate courts to permit the review of a decision or judgement by a lower court.
Term
Crime Victims Fund of 1984
Definition
Federal money to state victim's compensation funds
Term
Restitution
Definition
Court ordered payment to victim from offender
Term
Most common form of restitution
Definition
Money
Term
Expenses paid by victim compensation
Definition
Medical, lost wages, mental therapy, funeral, lost family member.
Term
Victim impact statement
Definition
victims express the impact of the crime to the judge during sentencing.
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