Introduction to Appellate Courts and Legal Terms

Appellate Court

• A court that reviews and hears cases from trial courts for a second evaluation.

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)

• Collects, analyzes, and disseminates data on crime, offenders, and victimization.

Code

• A structured compilation of laws organized by specific subjects.

Common Law

• Legal system originating in England, heavily based on judicial decisions and precedents.

Congress of the United States

• The legislative branch consisting of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.

Constitution

• A fundamental document outlining the principles governing a nation or state.

Criminal Code

• Segment of the United States Code or individual state codes that addresses criminal law.

Judicial Decisions

• Written opinions from appellate courts that serve as binding law in common law jurisdictions.

Dual Court System

• Characterizes the U.S. legal framework as comprised of both state and federal courts.

Dual Federalism

• National and state governments operate independently with distinct powers.

Due Process

• Constitutional protection ensuring fair treatment of defendants in the justice system.

Effectiveness

• Measure of how justice system activities uphold equity, proportionality, and defendant rights while maintaining public safety.

Efficiency

• Utilization of resources to achieve legal goals and enhance public safety economically.

Executive Branch

• Government branch responsible for enforcing laws and managing public affairs.

Fairness

• Focus on equal treatment of offenders and balanced considerations during sentencing.

Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure

• Regulations established by the Supreme Court governing federal criminal prosecutions.

Hierarchical

• Describes an organizational structure where elements are ranked by importance or authority.

Infancy Defense

• Legal doctrine asserting that very young children cannot have a culpable mental state, protecting them from prosecution.

Judicial Review

• Authority of the Supreme Court to assess the constitutionality of legislative acts.

Judiciary

• The collective court system of a country or state, encompassing judges and their roles.

Juvenile Justice

• Legal provisions aimed at addressing offenses committed by individuals below the adult age threshold.

Legislature

• Elected body with constitutional power to enact laws, such as Congress.

Nonsystem Argument

• Perspective that highlights the conflict among components of the criminal justice system, suggesting a lack of cohesive operation.

Penal Code

• Collection of laws defining crimes and associated penalties, relevant to substantive criminal law.

Plea Bargain

• Agreement where a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for more lenient sentencing.

Procedural Due Process

• Concept ensuring fairness in the treatment of individuals within the criminal justice system.

SCOTUS

• Abbreviation for the Supreme Court of the United States, the nation's highest court.

Three Branches of Government

• The U.S. government consists of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches as established by the Constitution.

Unconstitutional

• Actions or laws that violate the provisions set forth in the U.S. Constitution or state constitutions.

United States Supreme Court

• The apex court in the U.S., consisting of eight associate justices and one chief justice.

This quiz explores key concepts and terminology related to appellate courts, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and the principles of common law. Test your knowledge on the legal system in the United States and the role of different judicial bodies. Ideal for those studying law or interested in the justice system.