Criminal Trials: Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The standard of proof required in criminal cases where the prosecution must provide such convincing evidence that a reasonable person would have no doubt about the defendant's guilt.

The constitutional guarantees that protect individuals from unfair treatment by the government, ensuring fairness in the legal process.

An evidentiary rule that prevents the admission of evidence obtained through illegal searches or seizures.

A legal concept that extends the exclusionary rule to any evidence derived directly or indirectly from an illegal search or seizure.

This refers to the prosecution's responsibility to prove a defendant's guilt in a criminal case.

A legal standard used in police actions, requiring a reasonable belief that a person is involved in criminal activity.

A higher legal standard than reasonable suspicion, requiring sufficient evidence indicating that a person has committed a crime.

A pretrial hearing where a judge determines if there is enough evidence to warrant a trial.

A group of citizens who decide if there is enough evidence to formally charge someone with a crime.

The act of formally accusing someone of a crime.

A formal reading of the charges against a defendant in court.

A legal principle that prevents a person from being tried twice for the same crime.

The right of a suspect to remain silent and not be forced to self-incriminate.

The right to be informed of the charges against you and have a chance to defend yourself in court.

The protection against unreasonable police searches and seizures without a warrant or probable cause.

A formal request for a judge to exclude certain evidence from a trial, often based on claims of illegal search or seizure.

A legal principle that allows evidence obtained illegally to be admitted if the police were acting in good faith, believing their actions to be lawful.

A legal standard used to assess whether a defendant's actions were reasonable in a particular situation.

A legal principle that states a person is legally responsible for their actions, even if they were unaware of the law.

A legal concept that refers to the process of making sure a suspect's rights are not violated during an investigation or arrest.

A legal standard used in administrative hearings, requiring sufficient relevant evidence to support a conclusion.

The default standard of proof in most civil lawsuits, requiring the plaintiff to demonstrate that it's more likely than not that the defendant is responsible.

A higher standard of proof used in civil cases involving important matters like conservatorships or the loss of parental rights, requiring a high degree of likelihood.

The standard of proof that requires the jury to be firmly convinced, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the crime.

A legal concept emphasizing the importance of protecting those accused of a crime, believing that a free society requires a certain level of protection for the defendant.

Those who are selected and sworn in to hear evidence in criminal court and determine the guilty verdict.

The lawyer who represents the accused in a criminal case.

The lawyer representing the state in a criminal case.

The individuals who provide information or testimony in a criminal case.

A formal statement of the charges against a person, usually accompanied by a request for a court date.

A formal written statement made under oath, often presented in court as evidence.

A legal document issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement to conduct a search and seizure.

The right of a person to receive financial compensation when their property is taken by the government for public use.