Judicial Branch & Criminal Justice System

What does it mean when the courts “interpret” a law?

• To decide if the law is popular

• To explain what the law means and check if it follows the Constitution

• To rewrite the law to make it clearer

• To create new laws when needed

Which of the following is an example of administering justice?

• Holding trials and punishing lawbreakers

• Voting on new bills

• Writing amendments

• Choosing mayors

In a criminal case, what must the prosecutor prove?

• That the defendant is guilty by a small chance

• That the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

• That the defendant is probably guilty

• That the defendant confessed

In a civil case, the plaintiff must prove their case by:

• Beyond a reasonable doubt

• Clear and convincing evidence

• Preponderance of evidence

• Written confession

Which of these is a possible punishment in a criminal case?

• Paying money damages to another person

• Going to jail

• Getting a new lawyer

• Having your property line moved

What happens first in the adult criminal justice process?

• Trial

• Arrest

• Arraignment

• Sentencing

What does a grand jury decide?

• If the defendant is guilty or not guilty

• If a crime was committed and issue an indictment

• If the judge should give a fine

• If the jury should be excused

Who gives opening statements during a trial?

• Only the prosecutor

• Both lawyers

• Only the judge

• The jury foreman

Who decides the punishment if a defendant is found guilty?

• The jury

• The judge

• The governor

• The prosecutor

Why would a defendant appeal their case?

• They didn’t like their lawyer

• They want a shorter sentence

• They believe there was a mistake in the trial

• They want to skip prison