MCAP Review 13: Criminal Trials

The primary purpose of a petit jury is to

• Determine if there is enough evidence to bring a case to trial

• Investigate if there is probable cause that a crime was committed

• Decide the punishment for a crime

• Issue (announce) the verdict (decision) for a court case

Answer explanation

The grand jury decides if there is enough evidence for a trial.

The petit jury decides the outcome of the trial (guilty or not guilty).

What is the purpose of a grand jury in a criminal prosecution?

• to determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant

• to provide a public defender (free defense lawyer) to defendants who cannot afford one

• to determine whether to formally charge a defendant with a crime

• to announce the punishment of a convicted defendant

Answer explanation

A grand jury decides if there is enough evidence to officially accuse someone and send them to trial.

Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have arrested a suspect in a number of bank robberies. Before bringing charges against this suspect, the government must first

• Provide the court with a written confession

• Select an attorney for the defendant

• Receive an indictment from a grand jury

• Assign a judge to hear the case

Answer explanation

An indictment means an official accusation of a crime from a grand jury.

The prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the crime of which they are accused.

Which concept does this information describe?

• judicial review

• habeas corpus

• presumption (assumption) of innocence

• popular sovereignty

Answer explanation

The defendant is presumed (assumed) innocent unless the prosecutor proves "beyond a reasonable doubt" (99% sure) they did the crime.

The role of a grand jury is to determine

• whether the defendant in a trial is innocent or guilty

• what evidence may be admitted during trial

• whether there is enough evidence for an indictment

• how much money should be awarded in a court case

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

• Felonies are more serious crimes with more severe punishments.

• Misdemeanors cannot be plea bargained and must be tried in court.

• A person accused of a felony cannot use the right to cross-examination.

• A misdemeanor is a civil offense and a felony is a criminal offense.

Answer explanation

Misdemeanors and felonies are both crimes.

A felony is more serious than a misdemeanor.