A Virginia Courtroom

A Virginia Courtroom

Judge

A judge is in charge of the courtroom. A judge listens to testimony and ensures that the law is applied and interpreted accurately and fairly for everyone.

GDC/JDR - judge makes all the decisions; no jury

Appointed by the VA General Assembly

Open Ended

Who appoints a judge in VA?

Clerk of Court

A clerk of court is responsible for keeping a court's official records. The clerk prepares a record of all cases or actions scheduled for a particular day; this record is called a docket.

Circuit Court Clerk is elected by the voters of his or her city or county.

Bailiff

A bailiff is responsible for keeping order in a court. In VA, bailiffs are usually deputy sheriffs.

Defendant

Criminal case: defendant is the person who is accused of committing a crime

Civil case: defendant is the person being sued by another party who alleges the defendant has injured or harmed him or her in some way

Open Ended

What is the difference between a defendant in a criminal case and a defendant in a civil case?

Plaintiff

The party making the complaint

Criminal case: the plaintiff is the government (represented by the Commonwealth Attorney) because committing a crime violates the rules of society, and is therefore, considered a crime against the state.

Civil case: the plaintiff is the party who alleges that he or she has been injured or harmed in some way

Attorney

An individual who has studied the law, passed an examination, and is licensed to practice law.

Commonwealth's Attorney

Represents the Commonwealth of Virginia in criminal cases

Presents evidence to prove that a defendant is guilty of a crime or crimes

Elected by the voters of his or her city or county

Open Ended

What is the name of Hopewell City's Commonwealth Attorney?

Plaintiff's Attorney

Civil case: represents the party making a complaint and presents evidence that the defendant injured or harmed the plaintiff in some way

Witness

A person who testifies about what he or she has seen or heard

Sworn to tell the truth. If they fail to tell the truth, the person can be charged with perjury

Jury

A group of citizens who listen to testimony, determine the facts, and apply the law

Criminal case: jury determines whether the defendant is guilty or not and rcommends the sentence to be imposed

Civil case: jury determines whether the defendant has caused harm to the plaintiff and what damages are to be paid

Multiple Choice

Juvenile Court:

Can a jury be held in juvenile court?

• Yes

• No

Defense Attorney

Responsible for representing a defendant and defending a defendant against the complaints and the evidence presented by the Plaintiff