Arrest. The action of the police, or person acting
under the law, to take a person into custody so that they may be
forthcoming to answer for the commission of a crime.
Arrest Warrant. A warrant issued by a public officer
that authorizes the arrest and detention of an individual.
Bail. Traditionally,
bail is some form of property deposited or pledged to a court
in order to persuade it to release a suspect from jail, on the
understanding that the suspect will return for trial or forfeit
the bail ("skipping
bail", or "jumping
bail", is also illegal). In most cases bail money will be
returned at the end of the trial, if all court appearances are
made, no matter whether the person is found guilty of the crime
accused.
Bail Bondsman. A bail bondsman is any person or
company that will act as a surety and pledge money or property
as bail for the appearance of a criminal defendant in court.
Bounty Hunter. An individual who seeks out fugitives
('Hunting') for a monetary reward ('Bounty'), for apprehending
by law, if such laws exist.
Cash Bond. Typically "cash only",
where the defendant must provide the amount of the bail to the
court.
Charge. In criminal law, the crime
a person is accused of.
Collateral. A security or guarantee (usually an
asset) pledged for the repayment of a loan if one cannot procure
enough funds to repay.
Criminal Trial. A criminal trial is designed to
resolve accusations brought by the government against a person
accused of a crime.
Defendant. Any party who is required to answer
the complaint of a plaintiff or pursuer in a civil lawsuit before
a court, or any party who has been formally charged or accused
of violating a criminal statute.
Fugitive. A person who is fleeing from custody,
whether it be from a government arrest, government or non-government
questioning, vigilante violence, or outraged private individuals.
Judge. An official who presides over a court and
are required to be impartial and not influenced by outside factors.
Jury. A sworn body of persons convened to render
a rational, impartial verdict and a finding of fact on a legal
question officially submitted to them, or to set a penalty or judgment
in a jury trial of a court of law.
Jury Trial. Trial is held before
a group of disinterested members of the community.
Lawyer. Also known
as an attorney, a person trained and licensed to practice law -
to represent clients in legal matters, both in and out of court,
and to give legal advice.
Offense. An act that violates a law.
Prosecutor. Typically lawyers who possess a university
degree in law, are recognized as legal professionals by the court
in which they intend to represent the state.
Recognizance. A promise made by
the accused to the court that said person will attend all required
judicial proceedings and will not engage in further illegal activity
or other prohibited conduct as set by the court. Typically a monetary
amount is set by the court, but is not paid by the defendant unless
it is forfeited by the court. Other forms of punishment, such as
imprisonment, may still be levied by the court for those failing
to appear when required. Also known as Own Recognizance.
Remand. (1.) Send back a case
to the trial court or lower appellate court for action or (2.)
The imprisonment of criminal suspects awaiting trial or sentencing.
A prisoner who is denied, refused or unable to meet the conditions
of bail, or who is unable to post bail, may be held in a prison
on remand.
Sentence. -A judges formal declaration of the
punishment to be given to a person convicted of a crime.
Suspect. A person, known or unknown, suspected
of committing a crime.
Trial. The presentation of information in a formal
setting, usually a court
Verdict. The final decision of a jury or judges
on a case before a court of law.
Warrant. An authorization, typically
issued by a judge or magistrate, which commands an act to be performed
for instance a warrant for an arrest.