Legal and Governmental Terms

What is the role of Justices in the Supreme Court?

• Members of the Supreme Court; in the Georgia Supreme Court, justices hold six year terms and are selected by popular vote.

• They are responsible for making laws in the state.

• They serve as the head of the executive branch.

• They are elected officials who represent the people in the legislature.

What is the function of a Juvenile Court?

• A court that specializes in justice for minors.

• A court that handles corporate disputes.

• A court that deals with traffic violations.

• A court that oversees immigration cases.

What does Limited Jurisdiction mean?

• A court with a jurisdiction of only one county.

• A court that can hear any type of case.

• A court with jurisdiction over multiple states.

• A court that only handles federal cases.

What powers does a Magistrate Court have?

• The powers to issue warrants and try minor criminal cases, civil cases for sum of $15,000 or less, and civil disputes.

• The power to handle international treaties and agreements.

• The authority to oversee federal criminal cases.

• The ability to legislate new laws.

What is a Misdemeanor?

• A minor offense with a penalty of no more than one year in prison and/or a fine.

• A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison.

• A civil wrong that causes someone else to suffer loss or harm.

• A legal term for a contract breach.

What are Opening Statements in a trial?

• Attorneys for both the plaintiff and defense are given the opportunity to speak directly to the jury to explain what they hope to prove in the case.

• A summary of the evidence presented during the trial.

• The final arguments made by the attorneys before the jury deliberates.

• A written document submitted to the court outlining the legal arguments.

What is a Plea Bargain?

• The ability for a defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge.

• A legal process where a defendant is acquitted of all charges.

• An agreement where the defendant receives a harsher sentence.

• A trial where the defendant is found guilty without evidence.

What happens during a Preliminary Hearing?

• A magistrate judge determines if there was crime committed and if there is probable cause that the suspect was involved in the crime.

• The suspect is sentenced to prison.

• The jury delivers a verdict.

• The defense presents its closing arguments.

What is the Presentation of Evidence?

• During a trial when witnesses are called to provide testimony.

• When a judge delivers a verdict.

• When lawyers make opening statements.

• When the jury deliberates on a case.

What is Probable Cause?

• When there is sufficient evidence that the suspect was involved in a crime.

• When there is a mere suspicion without evidence.

• When the suspect has a strong alibi.

• When the crime is not serious.