Criminal code legal glossery

CHECKLAND CRIMINAL CODE: LEGAL GLOSSARY

A

Accessory – A person who assists in the commission of a crime but does not directly participate in the criminal act.

Acquittal – A legal judgment that a person accused of a crime is not guilty.

Aggravated – A term used to indicate a crime was made more serious by specific circumstances (e.g., use of a weapon, harm to a minor).

Amendment – A formal change or addition to a legal document or constitution.

Appeal – A request to a higher court to review and change the outcome of a court decision.

B

Bail – Temporary release of a suspect while awaiting trial, sometimes requiring money as assurance they will appear in court.

Burglary – Unlawful entry into a building with intent to commit a crime, usually theft.

Bribery – Offering or accepting something of value to influence an official action.

C

CAPO (Checkland Animal Protection Organization) – The regulatory authority overseeing animal rights and ethical farming in Checkland.

Class A/B/C Drugs – Categories of drugs based on their risk and legal status.

• Class A: Most dangerous (e.g., heroin, meth).
  
  

• Class B: Moderate danger (e.g., LSD, ecstasy).
  
  

• Class C: Lesser danger or controlled use (e.g., cannabis, certain prescriptions).
  
  

Conviction – A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a crime.

Corruption – Abuse of power for personal gain, especially in public office.

Criminal Code – The collection of all criminal laws and their penalties.

D

Defendant – The person accused of a crime in a court proceeding.

Due Process – Legal principle ensuring fair treatment through the normal judicial system.

Double Jeopardy – The legal principle that prevents a person from being tried twice for the same crime.

E

Espionage – The practice of spying or using spies, often to obtain state secrets.

Exile – The forced removal of a citizen from the country as punishment.

F

Felony – A serious crime typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.

Fraud – Wrongful or criminal deception intended for financial or personal gain.

G

Grand Theft – Theft of items or money exceeding a specific value threshold (e.g., $500 in Checkland).

Graffiti – Unauthorized writing or drawings on public or private property, considered vandalism.

H

Homicide – The killing of one human being by another. Includes both legal (justified) and illegal (criminal) killings.

High Treason – The most serious crime against the state, including attempts to overthrow or betray the government.

I

Indecent Exposure – Deliberate public exposure of private parts, often considered a sexual offense.

Intent – The mental state showing purpose or knowledge of wrongdoing.

Investigation – A formal inquiry to determine facts or gather evidence related to a crime.

J

Jurisdiction – The legal authority of a court or law enforcement body to enforce laws within a certain area.

Juvenile – A person under the age of 18, subject to youth criminal laws.

L

License – Legal permission granted by the state to perform specific activities (e.g., selling drugs, farming animals).

Litigation – The process of taking legal action in court.

M

Manslaughter – Unintentional killing of another person, often due to recklessness or negligence.

Misdemeanor – A lesser criminal offense, usually punishable by less than one year in jail or fines.

N

Neglect – Failure to provide necessary care, often used in context of children or animals.

Nolo Contendere – A legal plea where the defendant accepts conviction but does not admit guilt.

O

Obstruction of Justice – Interfering with the administration of law, including tampering with evidence or witnesses.

P

Parental Rights – Legal rights and responsibilities of parents regarding the care and upbringing of their children.

Pardon – The official forgiveness of a crime, typically granted by the Prime Minister or legal authority.

Petty Theft – Theft of low-value items (under $500 in Checkland).

Plaintiff – A person who brings a case against another in a civil court.

R

Rehabilitation – A sentencing goal that aims to reform a convicted person rather than punish them harshly.

Recidivism – The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.

S

Sedition – Conduct or speech inciting rebellion against the authority of the state.

Sentence – The punishment assigned to a defendant found guilty of a crime.

Sexual Assault – Any non-consensual sexual act, including touching or penetration.

Subpoena – A legal document requiring someone to appear in court or produce evidence.

T

Testimony – A formal statement or declaration given by a witness under oath.

Trial – A formal examination of evidence in a court, typically involving a judge (and sometimes a jury).

Trespassing – Entering someone’s land or property without permission.

V

Vandalism – Deliberate destruction of property.

Verdict – The final decision of a judge or jury regarding the guilt or innocence of the defendant.

Victim Impact Statement – A written or spoken account by the victim describing the effects of the crime.

W

Warrant – A legal document issued by a judge allowing law enforcement to perform an action, such as an arrest or search.

Witness – A person who sees an event take place or provides evidence in court.