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Charge
The statement accusing a person of committing a particular crime. Also the judge's instructions to the jury on its duties, on the law involved in the case and on how the law in the case must be applied.
Expert testimony
Testimony given in relation to some scientific, technical or professional matter by experts, i.e., persons qualified to speak authoritatively by reason of their special training, skill or familiarity with the subject.
Hung jury
A jury that cannot agree on a final verdict. If a jury is hung, the court declares a mistrial and the case may be re-tried.
Fourth Amendment
The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every person against unreasonable search and seizure by government officials
Pardon
Action by an official of an executive branch of government relieving a criminal from a conviction.
Perjury
Lying while under oath
Amicus curiae
A friend of the court; a nonparty who interposes, with the permission of the court, and volunteers information upon some matter before the court.
Public defender
In a civil tort action such as a medical malpractice suit, the plaintiff must show that an act or omission of the defendant was a proximate cause of the plaintiff's injury or loss. Similarly, in a criminal action, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant's action was the direct cause of the crime
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