Unit 6: The Judicial Branch

How could a defendant find themselves in a criminal court?

• They have committed a crime.

• They are serving on a jury.

• They have violated the civil rights of a group/individual.

• Their verdict was referred there by a lower court.

Answer explanation

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

Who are the TWO involved parties in a Criminal Court?

• Plaintiff

• Defendant

• Jury

• Prosecution

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

• Higher

• Lower

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.

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

• Criminal

• Civil

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.

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

• Criminal

• 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.

Who are the TWO involved parties in a Civil Court?

• Plaintiff

• Defendant

• Jury

• Prosecution

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

• Higher

• 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.

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

• True

• False

Answer explanation

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

1. Fines / "Damages"

2. Legal Action

- Protective orders, etc.

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

• State

• Federal

• Concurrent

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

• State

• Federal

• Concurrent