Civics and Legal Terms

Juvenile

• Anyone under the age of 17.

• Anyone over the age of 18.

• Anyone between the ages of 12 and 16.

• Anyone who has committed a crime.

Felony

• A minor crime punishable by a fine or less than a year in jail.

• A crime involving violence, regarded as more serious than a misdemeanor, and usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.

• A type of civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another party.

• A legal term for a crime that is always punishable by community service.

Bill of Rights

• A list of rights and freedoms found in both the Georgia and United States Constitutions.

• A document outlining the duties of the President of the United States.

• A collection of amendments that only apply to the state of Georgia.

• A summary of the laws governing the judicial system.

Preamble

• The introduction to a legal document that outlines its purpose and principles.

• A section that lists the amendments to the Constitution.

• The closing statements of the Georgia and the U.S. Constitutions.

• The opening statements of the Georgia and the U.S. Constitutions; states the fundamental purposes of the documents.

Delinquent Act

• An act committed by a juvenile that would be a criminal offense according to adult law.

• A legal term for a minor who has committed a non-criminal offense.

• A term used to describe any behavior that is socially unacceptable.

• An act that is only considered illegal if committed by an adult.

Governor

• The elected executive of the state; serves a four year term.

• A member of the state legislature responsible for making laws.

• The head of the judicial branch in the state government.

• An appointed official who oversees state agencies.

Amendments

• Changes made to the Georgia and/or the U.S. Constitutions.

• Proposals for new laws that are not yet enacted.

• A type of legal document used in court cases.

• A process for electing government officials.

Voting Qualifications

• Being 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States

• Having a driver's license

• Being a resident of the state for at least 6 months

• Being a registered member of a political party

Unruly Act

• An act committed by a juvenile that would not be a criminal offense according to adult law.

• A criminal offense committed by an adult.

• A legal term for a minor infraction.

• An act that is considered a crime in all states.

Veto

• The power held by the executive branch to reject a law; vetoes can be overturned.

• The ability of the legislative branch to propose new laws.

• A process by which laws are reviewed by the judiciary.

• The authority of the president to appoint judges.