12AM Legal and Literary Terms

Innocent until proven guilty

• A principle that allows the state to arrest anyone without evidence.

• A fundamental principle of law that means the state must prove guilt; the suspect does not have to prove innocence.

• A rule that states all suspects are guilty until proven innocent.

• A guideline for judges to follow when making decisions.

The Fifth Amendment

• A law that allows for double jeopardy

• A principle that protects against self-incrimination

• A rule that guarantees the right to a speedy trial

• A regulation that mandates public trials

Cross-examine

• To question a witness by the opposing counsel.

• To provide evidence in support of a case.

• To summarize the main points of a trial.

• To make a closing argument in a case.

Theme

• The central or dominant idea behind the story; the most important aspect that emerges from how the book treats its subject.

• A character's journey throughout the story.

• The setting and time period in which the story takes place.

• The sequence of events that make up the plot.

Drama

• Plays intended to be acted; performances of plays.

• A type of literature that tells a story through dialogue and action.

• A genre of music characterized by its emotional expression.

• A form of visual art that uses paint on canvas.

Stage Directions

• The information given for the reader to visualize the setting, position of props, etc., in a play.

• A set of rules for actors to follow during a performance.

• A description of the plot and characters in a play.

• The dialogue spoken by the characters in a play.

Homicide

• The killing of one person by another.

• A legal term for self-defense.

• The act of stealing from someone.

• A type of medical condition.

Hung Jury

• A situation where jurors agree on a verdict.

• A lack of agreement among jurors when a unanimous decision is required; a hung jury would require a retrial.

• A jury that has reached a decision but is unable to communicate it.

• A jury that is dismissed due to misconduct.

Premeditated

• Planned or plotted in advance.

• Spontaneous and unplanned.

• Done in a hurry without thought.

• A decision made after careful consideration.

Convict

• To find the defendant guilty of the crime

• To release a prisoner from custody

• To accuse someone of a crime

• To provide legal representation to a defendant