Unit 6: The Judicial Branch

Front

How could a defendant find themselves in a criminal court?

Back

They have committed a crime.

Answer explanation

In a criminal court, an individual can be charged with a crime by the state / government.

Front

In a Criminal Court, a ( higher / lower ) burden of proof is necessary to convict.

Back

Higher

Answer explanation

Burden of Proof = Likelihood of guilt.

In order to avoid convicting innocent people, the prosecution must present near-undeniable evidence that a defendant committed a crime.

Front

Defendants who have been convicted in this type of court may face heavy fines, probation, incarceration, and even death.

Back

Criminal

Answer explanation

Punishments faced by those convicted in a criminal court depend on whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor of felony, and the severity of the offense.

See image.

Front

Defendants who have been charged with violating the civil rights of a group/individual will stand trial in which type of court?

Back

Civil

Answer explanation

Any individual or group can accuse a defendant of violating their civil rights.

Trial/settlement of lawsuits are common proceedings of a civl court.

Front

In a Civil Court, a ( higher / lower ) burden of proof is necessary to convict.

Back

Lower

Answer explanation

Burden of Proof = Likelihood of guilt.

Since Civil proceedings are usually dependent on which party presents a better argument, less evidence is necessary.

Front

TRUE OR FALSE: Those found guilty in a Civil Court can face incarceration?

Back

False

Answer explanation

False. There are two common punishments issued by Civil Courts.

1. Fines / "Damages"

2. Legal Action

- Protective orders, etc.

Front

Criminal cases in which a defendant has violated a federal law fall under which type of jurisdiction?

Back

Federal

Front

Criminal cases in which a defendant has violated a state law fall under which type of jurisdiction?

Back

State

Front

Who can appeal a verdict reached in a Criminal Court? Options: The Plaintiff, The Prosecution, The Defendant

Back

The Defendant

Answer explanation

Only the defendant may appeal a verdict reached in a criminal court.

If the government attempted to try a defendant twice for the same crime, this would be DOUBLE JEOPARDY.

Front

Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the precedent of. . .

Back

Judicial Review

Answer explanation

Judicial Review: courts have the authority to determine the legitimacy of the acts of the executive and the legislative branches of government.