GoPo Unit 4: American Legal System

The job of the judicial system is to

• write new laws for the American legal system

• resolve conflicts peacefully in accordance with the law

• oversee and assist of managing the executive branch

• allow congress to create amendments to the constitution

What is meant by the term burden of proof?

• the need to examine the reliability of witnesses

• the challenge of finding a fair and impartial jury

• the duty to prove alleged facts in a case with solid evidence

• the obligation to consider a person innocent until proven guilty

In most civil cases,

• “beyond a reasonable doubt” is the determining factor of guilt.

• one party sues another party for damages or compensation.

• jail time is a possible outcome.

• provide punishments for those who fail to comply with a law passed by a legislative body.

Which term refers to the person who files a lawsuit in a civil case?

• bailiff

• plaintiff

• defendant

• prosecutor

Plea bargaining is used in this system.

• Criminal

• Civil

• Both

An intentional physical injury is this type of case.

• Criminal

• Civil

• Both

The jury decides their cases by a preponderance of the evidence.

• Criminal

• Civil

• Both

The plaintiff is the injured person seeking damages.

• Criminal

• Civil

• Both

The prosecutor represents the interest of the state.

• Criminal

• Civil

• Both

The jury decides their cases by beyond a reasonable doubt

• Criminal

• Civil

• Both