Criminal Defense GLOSSARY
Glossary of Criminal Defense Terms
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Acquittal: Judgement that a criminal defendant has not
been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the
oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having
authority to administer oaths.
Affirmative action: Programs often required by state or
federal law that attempt to compensate for discriminatory practices
that have in the past denied fair consideration to members of
minority groups. affirmative defense - A statement by a defendant
that provides justification for an action or an explanation for
behavior or that provides the basis for denial of liability.
Affirmed: In the practice of appellate courts, the word
means that the decision of the trial court is correct.
Aggravated assault: an unlawful attack by one person upon
another for the person of inflicting harm. This type of assault
usually involves a weapon.
Arson: a willful or malicious burning, or attempt to burn,
a home, public place, vehicle or any personal property of another.
Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court
to decide whether the trial was conducted properly.
Arraignment: A proceeding in which an individual who is
accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the
charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
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