Mock Trial - Classical Conversations

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Questions and Answers

When addressing the judge, what would you call him/her?

Your Honor

What is an Affirmative Defense?

A defense that admits the act charged, but seeks to justify it.

What is an Allegation?

An accusation that has not yet been proven to be true or false.

What constitutes Bodily Injury?

Physical pain, illness, or impairment of physical condition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Burden of Proof?

The necessity of the State to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, every material allegation of the indictment and every essential element of the crime charged. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Closing Argument?

An overview and summation of evidence given to establish a case. Signup and view all the answers

What is Criminal Intent?

To intend to commit an act that is prohibited by the State. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cross-examination?

The interrogation of a witness called by one's opponent. Signup and view all the answers

What is Deadly Force?

Force that is intended or known by the person using it to cause death or serious bodily injury. Signup and view all the answers

What is Direct Examination?

Questioning your own witness for expert testimony or valuable information that will support your case. Signup and view all the answers

What is Direct Evidence?

Testimony given by a witness who has seen or heard the facts to which he or she testifies. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Exhibit?

Documents or other pieces of evidence that support one side of the case submitted for approval of the judge. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to Extrapolate?

To arrive at conclusions or results based on known facts. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hearsay?

A statement other than the one made by the declarant while testifying at trial and offered in evidence to prove the matter asserted during the trial. Signup and view all the answers

What is Impeachment?

To confront a witness with his or her statement and bring out the inconsistencies in testimony given. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Indictment?

Official charge against the defendant. Signup and view all the answers

What is Intent?

The design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act. Signup and view all the answers

What is Malice?

The wrongful intent to injure another. Signup and view all the answers

What is Manslaughter?

The unlawful killing of another without malice and premeditation. Signup and view all the answers

What is Material?

Something substantial and relevant. Signup and view all the answers

What is Murder?

The killing of another person with malice and premeditation. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Objection?

To present to the judge a rule of evidence that would either take away or prevent a question and/or answer. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Opening Statement?

A statement to introduce yourself and your client and to acquaint the jury and judge with the nature of your case. Signup and view all the answers

What is Petit Larceny?

Any simple larceny or any article of goods valued less than $2,000. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Plea?

The reply of the defendant to an accusation of guilt made by the plaintiff or prosecution. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Provocation?

Something that incites or provokes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Reasonable Belief?

A belief that would be held by an ordinary and prudent person in the same circumstances as the defendant. Signup and view all the answers

What is to Redirect?

To rehabilitate a witness or repair damage done by your opponent. Signup and view all the answers

What is Serious Bodily Injury?

Bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes death. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Stipulated Fact?

Points or documents agreed upon as accepted, factual evidence by all parties prior to the trial. Signup and view all the answers

What is Voluntary Manslaughter?

The unlawful killing of a human being in sudden heat of passion upon sufficient legal provocation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four positions for Mock Trial?

Defense Lawyer, Prosecution Lawyer, Witness, Bailiff Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mock Trial Terminology

Your Honor: Title used when addressing the judge in court settings.
Affirmative Defense: A legal strategy that acknowledges the act committed but seeks justification for it.
Allegation: An unproven accusation against someone that requires substantiation.
Bodily Injury: Refers to any physical pain, illness, or impairment affecting an individual's physical condition.
Burden of Proof: The responsibility of the State to demonstrate every essential element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Closing Argument: Final summation of case evidence presented to persuade the judge or jury to deliver a specific verdict.
Criminal Intent: The conscious decision to perform an act that is illegal or prohibited by law.
Cross-examination: The process of questioning a witness called by the opposing party to challenge their testimony.
Deadly Force: Force used with the intent to cause death or significant bodily harm.
Direct Examination: Questioning one's own witness to extract expert opinions or information beneficial to the case.
Direct Evidence: Eyewitness testimony or physical evidence that directly supports facts in a trial; hearsay is not considered valid evidence.
Exhibit: Items of evidence or documents submitted in court to support one side's position.
Extrapolate: The act of drawing conclusions based on existing known facts.
Hearsay: Testimony based on statements made outside of court, considered inadmissible to prove the matter in contention.
Impeachment: Method of questioning a witness to expose contradictions or undermine their credibility.
Indictment: Formal charge or accusation of a serious crime against a defendant.
Intent: The purpose behind committing a wrongful act; critical component needed to establish a crime.
Malice: The intention to cause harm or injury, indicative of a depraved mindset when committing an unlawful act.
Manslaughter: The act of unlawfully killing another person without prior intent or planning.
Material: Evidence or information that is significant and relevant to the case at hand.
Murder: The unlawful killing of another with intent and premeditation.
Objection: Formal protest raised in court regarding the admissibility of evidence or questions posed.
Opening Statement: Initial presentation intended to outline the case for the jury and judge, introducing the key points.
Petit Larceny: A form of theft involving goods valued under $2,000, qualifying as a minor crime.
Plea: The defendant's formal response to criminal charges, including options like guilty or not guilty.
Provocation: A stimulus that incites a response; may be used as a defense to claim loss of self-control due to another's actions.
Reasonable Belief: A standard of belief that an average, prudent person would have under similar circumstances.
Redirect: Attempt to rehabilitate a witness's testimony after cross-examination; prohibited in mock trials.
Serious Bodily Injury: Injuries creating significant risk of death or resulting in death.
Stipulated Fact: Agreed-upon points or documents recognized as factual evidence by all parties prior to trial.
Voluntary Manslaughter: Unlawfully killing in a moment of passion induced by sufficient provocation.
Mock Trial Positions: Roles in a mock trial include Defense Lawyer, Prosecution Lawyer, Witness, and Bailiff.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key legal terms and phrases used in a mock trial setting. Improve your understanding of legal vocabulary essential for effective courtroom communication. Perfect for students participating in Classical Conversations or those interested in law.