Unit Four Law and Legal System Vocabulary
Human Rights
Fundamental rights entitled to all individuals.
Reservation
A legal provision allowing exceptions to laws.
Felony
Serious crime punishable by imprisonment over one year.
Criminal Law
Body of law dealing with crimes and punishment.
Misdemeanor
Less serious crime, typically punishable by fines.
Civil Law
Law governing disputes between private parties.
Civil Action
Legal proceeding to resolve civil disputes.
Defendant
Individual accused in a court of law.
Plaintiff
Person who initiates a lawsuit.
Prosecutor
Government attorney representing the state in criminal cases.
Beyond a reasonable doubt
Standard of proof in criminal trials.
Preponderance of the evidence
Standard of proof in civil cases.
, Limited Government
Government's powers are restricted by law.
Separation of Powers
Division of government responsibilities among branches.
Statutes
Written laws enacted by legislative bodies.
Veto
Power to reject legislation passed by Congress.
Checks and Balances
System ensuring no branch exceeds its authority.
Judicial Review
Court's authority to review laws for constitutionality.
Ordinance
Local law or regulation enacted by a municipality.
Supremacy Clause
Constitutional provision establishing federal law supremacy.
Legislative Intent
Purpose behind a law's creation.
Public Hearings
Meetings for public input on proposed legislation.
Appeals Court
Court reviewing decisions from lower courts.
Precedent
Previous court decisions influencing future cases.
Extradition
Process of returning a fugitive to their jurisdiction.
Human Rights
Fundamental rights entitled to all individuals.
Reservation
A legal provision allowing exceptions to laws.
Felony
Serious crime punishable by imprisonment over one year.
Criminal Law
Body of law dealing with crimes and punishment.
Misdemeanor
Less serious crime, typically punishable by fines.
Civil Law
Law governing disputes between private parties.
Civil Action
Legal proceeding to resolve civil disputes.
Defendant
Individual accused in a court of law.
Plaintiff
Person who initiates a lawsuit.
Prosecutor
Government attorney representing the state in criminal cases.
Beyond a reasonable doubt
Standard of proof in criminal trials.
Preponderance of the evidence
Standard of proof in civil cases.
, Limited Government
Government's powers are restricted by law.
Separation of Powers
Division of government responsibilities among branches.
Statutes
Written laws enacted by legislative bodies.
Veto
Power to reject legislation passed by Congress.
Checks and Balances
System ensuring no branch exceeds its authority.
Judicial Review
Court's authority to review laws for constitutionality.
Ordinance
Local law or regulation enacted by a municipality.
Supremacy Clause
Constitutional provision establishing federal law supremacy.
Legislative Intent
Purpose behind a law's creation.
Public Hearings
Meetings for public input on proposed legislation.
Appeals Court
Court reviewing decisions from lower courts.
Precedent
Previous court decisions influencing future cases.
Extradition
Process of returning a fugitive to their jurisdiction.
