Criminal Justice Glossary

The physical act or unlawful omission that constitutes the criminal offense.

A court proceeding in which the defendant is formally charged and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Money or property deposited with the court to secure a defendant's release from custody and ensure their appearance at trial.

The standard of proof required to convict a criminal defendant, meaning guilt must be established to a near certainty.

The obligation to prove one's case in court; in criminal law it rests entirely on the prosecution.

The branch of the criminal justice system responsible for supervising convicted offenders through imprisonment, probation, or parole.

The use or threat of punishment to discourage individuals or the general public from committing crimes.

The pre-trial process in which both prosecution and defense exchange evidence and information relevant to the case.

The constitutional protection preventing a person from being tried twice for the same offense after acquittal or conviction.

The constitutional guarantee of fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.

A serious criminal offense typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.

A body of citizens that reviews evidence to determine whether sufficient grounds exist to bring criminal charges.

A legal order requiring that a detained person be brought before a court to determine the lawfulness of their detention.

A sentencing goal that removes offenders from society through imprisonment to prevent future criminal acts.

A formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that sufficient evidence exists to bring a defendant to trial.

The mental element of a crime; the intent or knowledge of wrongdoing that constitutes part of criminal liability.

The constitutional rights that must be communicated to suspects before custodial interrogation, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

A criminal offense less serious than a felony, typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of up to one year.

The supervised conditional release of a prisoner before the completion of their maximum sentence.

An agreement in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence.

A reasonable basis for believing that a crime has been committed, required for warrants, arrests, and searches.

A court-ordered period of supervised release in the community served as an alternative to incarceration.

The relapse into criminal behavior by a person who has previously been convicted and punished for a crime.

A court order requiring the offender to compensate the victim for losses or damages caused by the crime.

An approach to criminal justice that focuses on repairing harm through cooperative processes involving victims, offenders, and the community.