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A group of citizens convened to decide whether there is sufficient evidence to indict a suspect and proceed to trial.

The mental state of the defendant at the time of the criminal act, indicating intent or recklessness.

A legal principle whereby one party is held liable for the criminal actions of another, often seen in employer-employee relationships.

The act of exposing oneself to prosecution by making statements that may prove one's involvement in a crime.

The first formal stage of the criminal process, in which a defendant is brought before a court to hear charges and enter a plea.

A defense that claims the defendant was forced to commit a crime as a result of immediate threat of harm, which induces a well-founded fear of imminent peril.

A court-imposed criminal sentence that, subject to conditions, releases a convicted person into the community instead of sending them to jail or prison.

A variety of non-violent financial crimes, typically committed by businesspeople or public officials, characterized by deceit, concealment, or breach of trust.

An agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor, in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge or a more lenient sentence.

Criminal activities carried out by means of computers or the internet, including such things as identity theft and the spreading of computer viruses.

The obligation to prove one's assertion in court; in criminal cases, this burden lies with the prosecution.

A person who aids, assists, or facilitates the commission of a crime without being the principal actor.

A behavior in which a person fails to reasonably perceive substantial and unjustifiable risks of dangerous consequences.

Acts that are prohibited by law, representing a physical component of a crime.

The legal principle that establishes the link between the defendant's conduct and the result.

A procedural defense that prevents an accused person from being tried again on the same or similar charges following a valid acquittal or conviction.

The criminal action of operating an illegal business or scheme (a racket) to earn a profit, often as part of organized crime.

The rights read to an arrested individual, ensuring they are aware of their right to remain silent and to an attorney.

The offense of willfully telling an untruth or making a misrepresentation under oath.

Crimes that do not require proof of mens rea; the act itself is sufficient for criminal liability.

A defense to criminal charges that is based on the assertion that a defendant's actions were a legally justified response to an imminent threat of harm.

The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money be lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.

A legal doctrine that attributes responsibility to those who aid or abet in the commission of a crime.

A legal instrument used to protect against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment.

A standard used in law enforcement to justify brief stops and detentions, but not enough to support a search or arrest warrant.

A law that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in a criminal trial.

A defense claiming that agents of the government induced a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed.

The participation by a minor child, usually between the ages of 10 and 17, in illegal behavior or activities.

A writ ordering a person to attend a court.

A request made after a trial by a party that has lost on one or more issues that a higher court review the decision to determine if it was correct.

A law that retroactively changes the legal status of actions that were committed before the enactment of the law.

Factors that increase the severity or culpability of a criminal act, often leading to a harsher sentence.

Any information or evidence presented to the court regarding the defendant or the circumstances of the crime that might result in reduced charges or a lesser sentence.

Crimes that involve actions taken toward committing another crime but falling short of the actual crime.

The maximum time after an event that legal proceedings based on that event may be initiated.

A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, typically presented by a grand jury.

A defense arguing that a criminal defendant was not legally responsible for their actions due to an episodic or persistent psychiatric disease at the time of the criminal act.

A legal document issued by a judge or magistrate giving law enforcement the authority to perform certain acts.

A reasonable amount of suspicion, supported by circumstances, that a person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime.

The principle that the actus reus and mens rea must occur together for a crime to be present.