Watch any televised trial and you’ll hear terms like “discovery,” “objection,” and “subpoena,” being thrown around, but what do they mean? That’s what we’re here to find out.   

Here are 10 of the most common criminal justice terms. We hope to provide some insight into the complex legal system and the essential roles performed by the criminal justice professionals within it. If you’re enjoying the read, stick around to learn how your interest in criminal justice can lead to a rewarding career.  

1. Arraignment 
An arraignment, or initial hearing, is a proceeding in which a defendant is brought before a judge, informed of their rights and the charges against them, and given an important choice: plead guilty or not guilty. Arraignments take place the day after an arrest at the latest, during which a judge will decide whether the defendant will be released on bail to await trial.  

2. Bail  
A judge will grant bail unless a defendant is likely to interfere with legal proceedings, e.g., miss their court date or intimidate a witness. A defendant posts bail, thereby securing their release from prison until their case is resolved, by paying an amount of money dependent on case specifics, such as the severity of the alleged crime. Once the trial is over, bail is returned to the defendant. Think of it as an incentive for defendants to show up for their criminal trial.  

3. Contempt of Court 
Nobody wants to get on a judge’s bad side. Contempt of court refers to a show of disrespect, disruption, or disobedience that interferes with court proceedings. Individuals held in criminal contempt can face steep fines and imprisonment, and anyone can be held in criminal contempt. A recent high-profile example is Alex Jones, who was fined $25,000 per day for refusing to sit for a deposition during the Sandy Hook defamation suits.  

4. Discovery 
Discovery is a process in which legal teams inform each other of the evidence and witness testimony that will be presented at trial. Parties can take depositions (an out-of-court statement), submit interrogatories (a list of questions), or file a subpoena (a request for evidence).  

A trial is only fair if both sides are given the chance to support their argument and prepare for what the other side will present; otherwise, it’s known as a “trial by ambush.” Surprises are welcome in TV legal dramas—not in a court of law.  

5. Habeas corpus 
Habeas corpus (Latin for “you shall have the body”) commands that a prisoner be brought before a judge to determine if they are lawfully imprisoned. A prisoner can file a writ of habeas corpus, challenging the legality of their confinement, and can be released if their individual freedoms were violated.  

The legal maxim “innocent until proven guilty” is a core element of the U.S. legal system. At any given time, however, about 445,000 people are in jail awaiting trial, many of whom are unable to afford bail. Habeas corpus helps protect these individuals from unlawful and indefinite imprisonment.  

6. Hearsay 
Anyone who followed the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trail is familiar with this common criminal justice term. (Hearsay objections were raised often, with Heard’s lawyer objecting to his own line of questioning at one point.) Hearsay is a statement made by a witness who learned of an event secondhand and is, therefore, not usually admissible in court.  

7. Objection 
The favored exclamation of ace attorneys everywhere, an objection is a challenge made by an attorney in a court of law. Objections are raised when evidence violates procedural law, e.g., an attorney is leading the witness (asking questions that could illicit a suggested response) or a witness statement is hearsay. Common objections include: argumentative, irrelevant, repetitive, and speculative. A judge decides whether to sustain or overrule the objection.  

8. Reasonable Doubt 
A reasonable doubt is an uncertainty based on reason, not speculation, derived after careful consideration of all the evidence. A member of the jury who is not convinced of a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is obligated to find them not guilty. Such was the case in the trial of Casey Anthony, who was found not guilty of murdering her two-year-old daughter. Anthony lost in the court of public opinion, but the prosecution could not convince the jury of her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  

9. Subpoena 
There always seems to be news of a politician being subpoenaed, but what does this term mean in the context of criminal justice? A subpoena is a command issued by a judge for a witness to appear in court and give testimony. Similarly, a subpoena duces tecum is a command for a witness to produce documents or other form of evidence.  

10. Verdict 
After deliberating, the jury returns and the foreperson or court clerk delivers the verdict, or to put it simply, the final ruling. This is the moment of truth: when the defendant is found guilty or not guilty. A losing party can appeal to have the case reviewed by a higher court. An appeal is not a new trial, however, and unless a mistake was made during the proceedings, the verdict will stand.  

Curious About a Career in Criminal Justice? 

We hope this list of common criminal justice terms has been informative and at least a little entertaining. Try as we might, we’ve only touched on the finer nuances of these terms, let alone what they really mean to professionals in criminal justice, including correctional, police, and probation officers.  

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers two online programs ideal for preprofessionals and current criminal justice professionals: 

Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Studies: Composed of robust, research-based curriculum, this program empowers students to create change from within the criminal justice system. Explore all aspects of the criminal justice system, including corrections, courts, and law enforcement agencies.  

Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration: Gain a deeper understanding of the issues plaguing the criminal justice system, whether they pertain to criminal law or law enforcement. Graduate in as little as one year, ready for leadership roles in which you’ll operate with the utmost integrity in the pursuit of justice.  

Entirely online, our criminal justice programs allow you to study when it’s convenient for you, whether you prefer to study after a workday or over the course of a long weekend. Our online programs are of the highest quality, with courses taught by experts with extensive experience in the field of criminal justice. When you graduate, you’ll receive the same prestigious degree awarded on campus.  

The common criminal justice terms we’ve listed are only a taste of what’s in store for you in our virtual classroom. Apply to one of our online criminal justice programs and prepare to pursue a career that will let you give back to your community and better society.  

Sources: 
https://www.uscourts.gov/glossary
https://www.justice.gov/usao/justice-101/glossary
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/contempt-court.asp#toc-penalties-for-contempt-of-court
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_related_education_network/how_courts_work/discovery
https://www.aclu.org/other/what-you-should-know-about-habeas-corpus.
https://www.ce9.uscourts.gov/jury-instructions/node/338
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_related_education_network/how_courts_work/appeals/