Palynology,

Question

Preliminary (Evidential) Hearing,
Plea Bargaining,
Infraction,
Junk Science,
Misdemeanor,
Miranda Rights,
Odontology,
Indict,
Pathology,
Grand Jury,
Arraignment,
Stare decisis,
Frye Standard,
Evidence

Answer 1

Palynology: The study of pollen grains and spores in order to identify and analyze plant species, as well as reconstruct past environments.

Preliminary (Evidential) Hearing: A court proceeding where a judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. It is usually held before a trial to ensure that the case has merit and the defendant's rights are protected.

Plea Bargaining: A negotiation process between the prosecutor and the defendant's attorney, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a lesser charge or receive a lighter sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial.

Infraction: A minor offense that is punishable by a fine or citation, rather than imprisonment. Examples include traffic violations or petty theft.

Junk Science: Pseudo-scientific or unqualified evidence used in court that lacks reliability and validity. It often refers to unreliable expert testimony or faulty scientific methods.

Misdemeanor: A criminal offense that is less serious than a felony, typically punishable by fines, probation, community service, or a short jail sentence. Examples include petty theft or disorderly conduct.

Miranda Rights: A set of rights that must be read to individuals in custody before any questioning by law enforcement, as established by the Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona. These rights include the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the warning that anything said can be used against the individual in court.

Odontology: The branch of forensic science that involves the examination of dental evidence, such as teeth, bite marks, or dental records, to identify individuals or provide evidence in criminal cases.

Indict: To formally accuse an individual of a crime, typically done by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by a prosecutor.

Pathology: The study of diseases and the effects they have on the human body. In a legal context, forensic pathology refers to the examination of corpses to determine the cause and manner of death.

Grand Jury: A group of citizens who review evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a criminal trial. Unlike a petit jury in a trial, grand jurors do not decide guilt or innocence, but rather whether there is probable cause to bring charges.

Arraignment: A court proceeding where a defendant is informed of the charges against them and is asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). It typically occurs after a preliminary hearing or indictment.

Stare decisis: Latin for "let the decision stand." It is a legal principle that stands for the importance of prior court decisions and promotes consistency and stability in the interpretation of law.

Frye Standard: A legal standard for the admissibility of scientific evidence in court, stating that evidence must be generally accepted by the scientific community to be admissible. It has been largely replaced by the Daubert standard, which focuses on reliability and validity.

Evidence: Information, objects, or testimony presented in court to establish the truth or falsity of a claim. It can include documents, photographs, eyewitness accounts, forensic analysis, or expert testimony.