The finding of not guilty.

The act of seeking a higher court’s review of a lower court’s decision.

A hearing before a judge during which the judge reads the charges to the defendant and the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty.

The taking of a person into custody by an officer of the law.

Money a defendant puts up (usually a bond) to allow his or her release from custody and to guarantee his or her appearance at a future hearing.

The individual in the courtroom who helps the judge manage the evidence and maintain order in the courtroom.

A standard of proof required to convict a person of a crime. The jury has a high degree of certainty about the defendant’s guilt, although they need not be 100 percent convinced.

A party’s duty to prove a disputed fact.

A decision made by a judge to try a juvenile in adult court.

The process of accusing the defendant of a crime.