Criminal Court Words or Judicial Terms +

A statement in writing given under oath before someone who is authorized to administer an oath.

To uphold the opinion or decision of a lower trial court; usually, an action by an appellate court.

In courts, an oath, or a declaration in place of an oath for people whose religious beliefs prohibit oaths, to tell the truth and nothing but the truth when giving legal testimony.

Action on the part of women to actively seek to be included on juries, which were formerly comprised exclusively of men.

Responses to a criminal charge where the defendant bears the burden of proof; such as, automatism, intoxication, coercion, duress, mistake, etc.

It goes beyond the simple denial of facts and gives new facts in favor of the defendant, if the information in the original complaint are true.

Chronological date when one reaches adulthood, usually either 18 or 21; when juveniles are no longer under the jurisdiction of the juvenile courts, but rather the criminal courts.

Events about crime that may intensify the severity of punishment, including bodily injury, death of the victim, or the brutality of the act.

Defense to a criminal allegation that places an accused individual at some other place than the crime scene at the time the crime occurred.

An assertion or a claim made by someone regarding a legal action.

To aver, assert, claim; usually a prosecutor will allege certain facts in developing a case against a criminal defendant.

Right of convicted offenders to address the court personally prior to the imposition of sentences.

Jurors who have been selected to replace any of the regular jurors who may become ill and cannot attend the full trial proceeding.

These replacement jurors are responsible for the same tasks as regular jurors who will hear and decide cases.

A procedure whereby a criminal case is redefined as a civil one and the case is decided by an impartial arbiter, where other parties agree to an amicable settlement.

This is usually reserved for minor offenses.

A modification, addition, or deletion.

National organization of U.S. lawyers headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.