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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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