The Role of Players in Criminal Trials

The individual facing criminal charges in a court case.

The person responsible for leading the trial, ensuring fairness and following legal procedures.

A group of citizens selected randomly to decide if the accused is guilty. They listen to evidence and make a unanimous decision.

The government representative who presents evidence against the accused in court.

The lawyer who represents the accused in court, ensuring their rights are protected.

Statements made by witnesses directly observed events. It's considered strong evidence.

Evidence that provides a basis for drawing inferences or conclusions about the case. It may not directly prove guilt but suggests it.

Evidence about the accused's past behavior or reputation is used, but has strict rules around admissibility.

A defense strategy claiming the accused was incapable of understanding the wrongfulness of their actions due to a mental illness at the time of the crime.

A defense arguing the accused acted involuntarily, with no conscious control over their actions.

A defense where the accused claims they were intoxicated and lacked the mental capacity to form the necessary intent to commit the crime.

A defense where the accused presents evidence justifying their actions, like self-defense or acting under duress.

The process where a judge imposes a punishment based on the severity of the crime and various factors related to the offender and victim.

A sentence where the accused is released but under supervision and must adhere to specific conditions.

A sentence where the accused is released with no criminal record.

A sentence where a guilty verdict is recorded but the criminal record is suspended if the accused remains law-abiding.

A sentence where the accused is convicted but does not serve jail time unless they commit another offense.

A sentence where the accused is confined to their home and monitored electronically.

A sentence where the accused is ordered to maintain peace and avoid further offenses.

The expulsion of the accused from the country.

A financial penalty imposed on the accused.

A sentence where the accused is temporarily or permanently restricted from a specific right or privilege.

A sentence where the accused is imprisoned.

An agreement where the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.

An oath taken by jurors to be truthful and honest during a trial.

The opening statement presented by the Crown attorney, summarizing the case against the accused and outlining the evidence they will present.

Open-ended questions asked by the Crown attorney during their examination of a witness, allowing the witness to freely describe their observations.

Leading questions asked by the Crown attorney to test the accuracy of a witness's testimony and expose any inconsistencies.

The defense attorney's presentation, summarizing their case, examining their witnesses, and challenging the Crown's evidence.

Legal arguments made by defense attorneys to exclude evidence they consider inadmissible, irrelevant, leading, or hearsay.

Alternative approaches to court proceedings for young offenders (12-17), focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Established legal principles that guide decisions in similar cases, particularly when higher court rulings bind lower courts in the same jurisdiction.