# The Jargon of Justice

Jargon is the specialized or technical language of a particular field/profession. It may not be easily understood by people outside of the field. A field's jargon may even use common words in different, unfamiliar ways.

## EXPLORE

DIRECTIONS: Read the definitions of the words below that are related to courtroom proceedings. Place a checkmark in each box where you are already very familiar with the judicial definition.

- Plaintiff: The person who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint, alleging that they were wronged by someone.
- Testimony: Statements or evidence provided by witnesses during their examination in court.
- Sentencing: The formal determination of the punishment imposed on a defendant who has been found guilty. People found innocent shouldn't be sentenced.
- Contempt: Behaviors that show disrespect towards the court, its orders, or its authority. Contempt can result in penalties, such as fines or imprisonment.

EXPLAIN

- Defendant: The individual or party against whom a lawsuit is filed, who must defend against the allegations.
- Jury: A group of individuals selected to hear the evidence in a trial and render a fair verdict based on the facts presented.
- Hearing: A formal session conducted in a courtroom where evidence, arguments, and legal issues are presented or considered by a judge/magistrate.
- Clerk: A court officer responsible for administrative tasks, record-keeping, and assisting with the logistics of legal proceedings.
- Allegation: An unproven accusation that someone did something wrong or illegal, which identifies a defendant and starts court proceedings.
- Verdict: The formal decision or judgment made by a jury or judge in a trial, determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
- Deposition: A formal, out-of-court testimony taken under oath, usually in a lawyer's office, to record a witness's statements.
- Capital Offense: A crime that is punishable by death. It is the most serious category of criminal offense.
- Plea: The defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
- Attorney/Lawyer: A legal representative who is well-educated in the law and can advocate for a party in a legal case before the court.
- Perjury: The act of intentionally providing false information or lying while under oath or during a legal proceeding. It is a very serious offense.
- Affidavit: A written and sworn statement made under oath, usually by a witness or a party to a legal case, which is used to verify facts or provide testimony.

## DIRECTIONS:

Sort the 16 words above into THREE distinct groups. Write a title for each group that accurately identifies how you think those words are related. There is no wrong answer, but you must understand why you grouped words together in a particular group.

Group 1 Title/Description:
Words:

Group 2 Title/Description:
Words:

Group 3 Title/Description:
Words: