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Only the defense can file a motion to exclude specific evidence from being used during a trial.

The doctrine of “stare decisis” which is Latin means to stand by things decided.

Federal judge appointment for a life term helps to establish independence in the judicial branch from the other two branches of government.

The U.S. Court of Appeals is organized into how many regions/circuits?

A writ of cert is a petition filed,  requesting a lower court to send up its records for review to a higher court.

This court process is known as a probable cause hearing. It is a mechanism to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to believe that a crime has occurred.

The ideology behind plea bargaining is that it offers certainty and predictability in the outcome of a case for both parties involved.

The defense can choose not to disclose the defendant’s testimony in advance of the trial. Making the defendant claim the 5th Amendment protection of self-incrimination.

An indictment is presented by the grand jury when they conclude that a crime was indeed committed and there is reasonable suspicion that the specific individual is responsible.

The rules for admitting evidence during a preliminary hearing are typically more relaxed compared to a full trial. Giving way to a wider range of evidence that may be considered, even if it wouldn’t be necessarily admitted in the trial setting.