Legal Terminology Overview Quiz

Legal Terminology Overview

• Municipal Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (Ontario): Professional organization related to municipal law enforcement.

Court Proceedings

• Docket: Public list of cases scheduled for a specific courtroom within a designated time frame.
• Count: A distinct charge within a single Information.
• Information: A sworn document outlining the elements of an offence and formally charging an individual, essential for establishing legal proceedings.
• Summons: An official order requiring a defendant's appearance before a court in response to a charge.
• Arraignment: The formal reading of charges in court, marking official recognition of the charge against the defendant.

Key Legal Concepts

• Affirmation: Declaration made without an oath, equivalent to an oath regarding truth-telling.
• Trial: Process in which evidence and defense are presented for judicial examination, leading to a verdict and potential sentencing.
• Voir Dire: A preliminary hearing within a trial to ascertain the admissibility of evidence.
• Acquittal: Determination of "reasonable doubt" by a Justice of the Peace, preventing conviction despite the charge.
• Strict Liability Offence: Offence type where intent is not a factor; a defense of due diligence may be used.
• Admissible Evidence: Evidence accepted by the court for consideration in the trial.
• Hearsay: Evidence based on second-hand information unable to be tested for relevance or accuracy.

Legal Authority and Responsibility

• Jurisdiction: The geographic and legal authority of law enforcement officers and courts to enforce laws and make rulings.
• Prima Facie Case: A case where the prosecutor has sufficient evidence that could lead to conviction if uncontested.
• Ultra Vires: Actions conducted beyond one's legal powers or authority.
• Limitation Period: The timeframe during which charges must be filed following an offence.

Defence and Witnesses

• Officially Induced Error: Defense when a defendant reasonably relies on erroneous legal opinions or instructions from officials.
• Affidavit: Written statement of fact verified under oath by an authorized person.
• Leading Question: A question that suggests its own answer.
• Exculpatory Evidence: Evidence relieving a defendant of guilt or responsibility.
• Inculpatory Evidence: Evidence indicating a person's involvement in a crime, potentially establishing guilt.
• Compellable Witness: A witness who must legally provide testimony.
• Competent Witness: A witness deemed mentally fit to understand legal proceedings.

Legal Procedures

• Due Diligence: Actions taken by a defendant during an incident that can lead to acquittal in strict liability offences.
• Examination in Chief: The initial questioning of a witness by the party that called them.
• Cross Examination: Questioning of a witness by the opposing party, typically following the Examination in Chief.

Judicial Decision-Making

• Common Law: Legal principles developed through judicial decisions over time, guiding future legal interpretations.
• Circumstantial Evidence: Evidence suggesting a fact based on the existence of an additional proven fact.
• Elements of an Offence: Essential facts that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, including who, what, where, and when.
• Burden of Proof: The requirement for the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction.

Test your knowledge of key legal terms and concepts used in court proceedings. This quiz covers essential vocabulary related to municipal law enforcement and the court structure. From 'docket' to 'trial', ensure you understand the fundamental elements of legal language.