Unit 4 CH. 13-16 - Government

Who hears cases such as burglary, murder, and assault?

• public defender

• criminal trial court

• jury

• supreme court

Answer explanation

The criminal trial court is responsible for hearing cases involving serious crimes like burglary, murder, and assault. Other options, like the jury and supreme court, play different roles in the legal process.

The (blank) are the citizens that render a verdict in a case based on evidence.

• adversarial

• criminal trial court

• judges

• jury

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'jury' because juries are composed of citizens who evaluate evidence and render a verdict in legal cases, distinguishing them from judges and other court roles.

Which steps in the trial process are ordered correctly, from first to last?

• jury instructions, examinations, opening statements, verdict, closing statements

• jury instructions, opening statements, verdict, closing statements, examinations

• opening statements, examinations, closing statements, jury instructions, verdict

Answer explanation

The correct order of trial steps is: opening statements, examinations, closing statements, jury instructions, and finally the verdict. This sequence ensures a structured presentation of the case.

The 6th Amendment guarantees which of the following to the accused?

• counsel, jury, and witnesses of the crime

• counsel and jury for the trial

• counsel, jury, and witnesses to the trial

• counsel, jury, witnesses, and at least one plea bargain offer

Answer explanation

The 6th Amendment guarantees the accused the right to counsel, an impartial jury, and the ability to obtain witnesses in their favor for the trial, making 'counsel, jury, and witnesses to the trial' the correct choice.

What is the most democratic aspect of a criminal trial?

• judge

• jury

• public defender

• state prosecution

Answer explanation

The jury is the most democratic aspect of a criminal trial because it consists of ordinary citizens who represent the community's voice, ensuring that the defendant is judged by peers rather than solely by legal authorities.

What does a plea bargain usually involve?

• admission to a lesser crime

• grand jury conviction

• lengthy, public trial

• more severe sentencing

Answer explanation

A plea bargain typically involves the defendant admitting to a lesser crime in exchange for a lighter sentence or other concessions, rather than facing a lengthy trial or more severe penalties.

Which courts can hear cases involving federal laws?

• federal courts only

• state and federal courts

• local, state, and federal courts only

• all courts in the United States

Answer explanation

Federal laws can be heard in both state and federal courts. While federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over certain cases, state courts can also hear cases involving federal laws, making this the correct choice.

State Judges are selected by...

• both election and appointment

• both popular and legislative election

• popular election only

Answer explanation

State judges can be selected through both election and appointment processes, which means they may be elected by the public or appointed by government officials, making 'both election and appointment' the correct choice.

Trial courts can be found at...

• local and state levels

• local, state, and federal levels

• state and federal levels

• state level only

Answer explanation

Trial courts exist at local, state, and federal levels, handling various cases. Therefore, the correct answer is 'local, state, and federal levels', as it encompasses all jurisdictions where trial courts operate.

Federal Judges are...

• elected by popular vote

• elected by congress and confirmed by the president

• appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate

• selected by the Senate

Answer explanation

Federal Judges are appointed by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate, ensuring a system of checks and balances in the judicial appointment process.