Forensics Legal Terms

Decides if person is guilty or innocent based on evidence provided

• prosecutor

• jury

• judge

• attorney

The official responsible for guaranteeing that judicial protocol is followed during trials

• jury

• judge

• attorney

• plaintiff

The party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint against the defendant

• judge

• attorney

• plaintiff

• prosecutor

Generic term for the government's attorney in a criminal case. Presents arguments against the defendant

• defense attorney

• prosecutor

• plaintiff

• judge

The initial appearance of a criminal defendant before a judge. This is the appearance before a judge without a jury where evidence is presented and the defendant is charged with a crime

• acquittal

• felony

• criminal charges

• arraignment

A verdict of not guilty of a crime. Not necessarily a finding of innocence. It could be that not enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt

• arraignment

• acquittal

• felony

• end of trial

punishment given to a person convicted of a crime

• conviction

• hung jury

• acquittal

• sentence

The prosecutor of a specific county with the responsibility of prosecuting crimes. This is an elected official

• hung jury

• defense attorney

• district attorney

• conviction attorney

A charge of felony (serious crime) voted by a grand jury

• arraignment

• indictment

• acquittal

• sentence

The party charged with a crime in a criminal prosecution or the party sued in a lawsuit

• plaintiff

• defendant

• grand jury

• prosecutor