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37 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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intrastate commerce
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Trade among different regions in the same state
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police power
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The authority of the State to legislate for the protection of health, safety, and welfare of the people.
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extraordinary majority
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Amajority that is greater than 50% + 1.
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constitutional initiative
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A process that allows citizens to propose a constitutional amendment through the signing of petitions by a required number of registered voters.
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initiative
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A peocedure though which voters can propose a change in state or local laws by means of gathering signatures on a petition and submitting it to the legislature for approval
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referendum
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A form of direct democracy in which legislative or constitutional measures are first decided on by the legislature and then submitted to voters for approval
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recall
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A procedure that allows voters to dismiss and elected official from a state or local office befor the official's term is expired.
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plurality
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A situation that in which a candidate wins an election by receiving more votes than the others, but does not necessarily win a majority. Most state federal and local elections allow for plurality wins.
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appropriations bill
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Bills that formally set aside money for a specific purpose.
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clemency proceedings
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Proceedings in which a governor may grant a pardon or reprieve for those convicted of a crime.
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pardon
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The act of granting a prisoner release from punishment. Can be granted by the President or a governor before or after a conviction.
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commute
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To reduce a criminal sentence imposed by a court of law.
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reprieve
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A postponement of a criminal sentence imposed by a court of law. Presidents and governors have this power and usually use it for humanitarian reasons.
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parole
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The release of a prisoner before the completion of his or her prison sentence.
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jurisdiction
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The power of a court to try and decide certain cases
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limited jurisdiction
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The authority of a court to hear only certain kinds of cases
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general jurisdiction
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The authority of a court to decide all matters that come before it.
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justice court
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A federal court that hears minor civil and criminal cases, performs marriages, and legalizes documents.
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justice of the peace (JP)
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Local judicial official who presides over the the activities of the justice court.
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magistrate
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A local judicial official with limited jurisdiction.
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magistrate court
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Lower courts in a small town or city.
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prosecuting attorney
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The official who represents the government and intiates and carries out legal proceedings.
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district attorney
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An attorney who initiates and conducts legal action on behalf of the State, especially i criminal cases.
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warrant
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An order issued by a court authorizing a public official to proceed in a specific manner, such as a search warrant.
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probable cause
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Sufficient evidence to believe a crime has been committed. Reasonable grounds for issuing warrants.
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indictment
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A fromal finding by a grand jury that there is sufficient evidence against a particular person to warrant a criminal trial.
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grand jury
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A jury consisting of 6 to 23 persons, that hears criminal charges against individuals and determines whether there is enough evidence to justify holding a trial.
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information
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A statement issued by a prosecutor that there is enough evidence to bring the accused person to trial, without the use of a grand jury.
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arraignment
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A preliminary court proceeding in which the defendant hears the charges and enters his or her plea.
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public defenders
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The attorney appointed to represent a defendant in a criminal case should the defendant be unable to hire an attorney.
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preliminary hearing
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A court hearing in which evidence is submitted and evidence presented to determine whether there is reason to continue with court proceddings.
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bail
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Money that a prisoner may be required to deposit with a court to obtain his or her release and to guarantee that he or she will appear in court at a designated time.
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bench trial
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A trial before a judge without a jury.
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trial jury
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A group of up to 12 persons who hear the facts of a civil or criminal case in a court of law and give a verdict.
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petit jury
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who hear the facts of a civil or criminal case in a court of law and give a verdict.
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voir dire
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A French phrase meaning "to speak the truth," refers to the process by which prosecutive jurors are examined to ensure their judgement will be impartial.
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plea bargain
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Agreements between prosecuting and defense attorneys whereby a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.
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