the decision-making power of prosecutors based upon the wide range of choices available to them in the handling of criminal defendants

the official proceeding in which a defendant is formally confronted by criminal charges and enters a plea, and a trial date is established

the first series of questions asked of the witness by the prosecutor or defense attorneys when they are presenting their case

the questioning of a witness by the opposing counsel or party during a trial.

prevents illegal questioning when the other side is violating proper courtroom procedure

a witness who is not an expert witness

a witness who by virtue of special knowledge, skill, training, or experience is qualified to provide testimony in matters that exceed common knowledge

The process of exchanging relevant information between the prosecution and defence. Can occur in a criminal or civil action

the suspension or postponement of a trial or court proceedings

a pretrial motion requesting the court to exclude certain evidence

a lawyer usually holding public office who represents criminal defendants unable to pay for legal assistance

a writ commanding a person designated in it to appear in court

a sworn statement in writing made under oath before an authorized judicial magistrate or officer

a certified peace officer that maintains order in the court and administers the oath to anyone who takes the stand

this term describes a jury whose members cannot agree unanimously on a verdict

the act of leaving something out or failing to do something especially that is required by duty, procedure, or law

this is the intentional making of a false statement as part of the testimony by a sworn witness in a judicial proceeding.

a type of jury that determines whether there is “probable cause” to believe the individual has committed a crime and should be put on trial.

the burden of proof in a civil case (more likely than not)

the burden of proof in a criminal case

an act or omission that gives rise to injury or harm to another and amounts to a civil wrong

written laws enacted by a legislature

they handle pre-trial motions, oversee the trial and rule on objections.

officially records the court transcript of the trial.