US Gov: Bill of Rights Vocabulary

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution, containing a list of individual rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

Miranda warning

"You have the right to remain silent. . ."

public trial

(6) secret trials are not allowed

symbolic speech

Using actions and symbols rather than words to convey an idea

freedom of assembly

What is the 1st Amendment freedom that protects people's right to peacefully gather

jury

a group of citizens chosen to hear evidence and make a decision in a court of law

speedy trial

a right contained in the sixth amendment to prevent indefinite pre-trial detention and secret trials

due process

5th Amendment Principle stating that government must follow procedures in trials

free exercise clause

A First Amendment provision that prohibits government from interfering with the practice of religion.

search warrant

A court order allowing law enforcement officers to search a suspect's home or business and take specific items as evidence

capital punishment

the death penalty

establishment clause

Clause in the First Amendment that says the government may not establish an official religion.

slander

False charges and malicious oral statements about someone

exclusionary rule

A law that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in a criminal trial.

incorporation

A process that extended the protections of the Bill of Rights against the actions of state and local governments

probable cause

A reasonable opinion, provable by facts, that a crime has been committed

bail

A sum of money that the accused may be required to post as a guarantee that he or she will appear in court at the proper time.

commercial speech

Advertisements and commercials for products and services; they receive less First Amendment protection, primarily to discourage false and misleading ads.

obscenity

Any statement or act which strongly offends the prevalent morality of the time

sedition

Attempting to overthrow the government by force or use violence to interrupt its activities.

double jeopardy

Being tried more than once for the same crime

prior restraint

Censorship imposed before a speech is made or a newspaper is published; usually presumed to be unconstitutional.

civil liberties

Constitutional freedoms guaranteed to all citizens

cruel and unusual punishment

Court sentences prohibited by the 8th amendment.

libel

False and malicious use of printed words.

self-incrimination

Having to testify against oneself