Criminal Justice | Learning Resources | Section 5.4

Criminal Justice: An Overview of the System by Adam J. McKee

Section 5.4: The Criminal Trial


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Learning Resources


Learning Objectives
5.4(a) Describe the several stages of a criminal trial.
5.4(b) Explain the hearsay rule and describe some exceptions to it.
5.4(c) Describe how attorneys are provide to indigent defendants in federal courts.
5.4(d) Explain the role of evidence in a criminal trial referencing the major types.
5.4(e) Explain the extra procedural requirements for jury decisions in capital cases.

Slide Presentations

For the Classroom:  INTRO-Section-5-4-presentation

For Printing: INTRO-Section-5-4-print

Present from the web:

Key Terms

  • Aggravating Circumstances
  • Alibi
  • Bench Trial
  • Bifurcated Trial
  • Challenge for Cause
  • Charge to the Jury
  • Circumstantial Evidence
  • Closing Arguments
  • Confrontation Clause
  • Direct Evidence
  • Double Jeopardy
  • Federal Rules of Evidence
  • Foreperson
  • Hearsay
  • Hung Jury
  • Jury Instructions
  • Jury Nullification
  • Mitigating Circumstances
  • Motion for a New Trial
  • Peremptory Challenge
  • Rebuttal
  • Right to a Public Trial
  • Right to a Speedy Trial
  • Right to a Trial by Jury
  • Right to Confront Witnesses
  • Right to Notice of Accusations
  • Rules of Evidence
  • Sequester
  • Testimonial Evidence
  • Voir Dire

Download a Printable Vocabulary Study Guide [PDF]: Intro_Section_5.4

In your more advanced courses and in your future career, your understanding of many technical and legal terms will be taken for granted.  It is vital that you take the time to really understand the terms presented at the end of each section of this course.  We’ve gone to great lengths to provide you with assistance in mastering this vocabulary.  Don’t forget that there is an extensive glossary that defines all of the bold terms that you will encounter in your reading.  In addition, the vocabulary for each section has been made available on a very useful website called Cram.com.  This site has a wide selection of flashcards for you to study, memorize, test yourself on, and more.  Cram also has a large app store so you can find other mobile flashcards for your Android, iPhone, or Windows device, allowing you to take your flashcards on the go. There are even games that add some fun to learning important terms.

Study Flashcards for this vocabulary on Cram.com.

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Last Updated:  04/21/2021

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