reasonable doubt (short definition), cruel and unusual punishment (short definition), RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Statutes (short definition), double jeopardy (short definition), self-incrimination (short definition), eminent domain (short definition), subpoena (short definition), evolving standard doctrine (short definition), grand jury (short definition), immunity (short definition), impartial jury (short definition), indictment (short definition), Miranda rights (short definition), not guilty (short definition), presumed innocent (short definition).
Reasonable doubt: A legal standard in criminal cases where the evidence presented must be sufficient to leave a rational person with no reasonable uncertainty about the defendant's guilt.
Cruel and unusual punishment: A constitutional prohibition that protects individuals from being subjected to punishments that are excessively harsh, inhumane, or disproportionate to the crime committed.
RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Statutes: Federal laws that target organized criminal enterprises by allowing prosecution and penalties for various illegal activities related to racketeering, such as extortion, money laundering, and fraud.
Double jeopardy: A constitutional protection that prevents an individual from being prosecuted or punished twice for the same offense after they have either been acquitted or convicted.
Self-incrimination: The right of an individual to refuse to answer questions or provide evidence that may incriminate oneself, as protected by the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Eminent domain: The power of the government to take private property for public use, with just compensation being provided to the property owner, as protected by the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Subpoena: A formal court order that compels an individual to appear in court or produce documents or other evidence relevant to a legal proceeding.
Evolving standard doctrine: A legal principle that recognizes the evolving interpretation and application of constitutional rights based on changing societal values and understandings.
Grand jury: A group of citizens convened by the prosecution to review evidence and determine whether there is enough probable cause to formally charge someone with a crime and proceed to trial.
Immunity: Legal protection granted to an individual in exchange for their testimony or cooperation with authorities, ensuring that their statements or evidence cannot be used against them in future criminal proceedings.
Impartial jury: A jury that is unbiased, impartial, and free from any predetermined opinions or prejudices, tasked with making a fair and impartial decision based on the evidence presented during a trial.
Indictment: A formal written accusation issued by a grand jury, charging an individual with a specific crime and initiating the criminal legal proceedings against them.
Miranda rights: The constitutional rights that must be read to individuals when they are taken into custody or subject to interrogation, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Not guilty: A legal verdict pronounced by a judge or jury to indicate that the accused is not criminally responsible for the charges brought against them.
Presumed innocent: A legal presumption that an individual charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.