Legal Terminology & Specialized Vocabulary Flashcards

What does 'mens rea' refer to in criminal law?

Answer: The mental state or intent required to commit a crime

Mens rea is Latin for 'guilty mind' and refers to the criminal intent or knowledge required as an element of a crime.

What is the standard of proof required to convict a defendant in a U.S. criminal trial?

Answer: Beyond a reasonable doubt

In U.S. criminal proceedings, the prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest standard in law.

A court interpreter hears a witness describe an event as happening 'mañana.' The hearing is in the U.S. How should this be interpreted?

Answer: Based on context — it could mean 'tomorrow' or refer to a vague future time

Context determines whether 'mañana' means 'tomorrow' (specific date) or a culturally idiomatic 'sometime later,' and interpreters must convey the contextual meaning accurately.

What does the term 'stipulation' mean in a U.S. court proceeding?

Answer: An agreement between opposing parties on a fact or procedural matter

A stipulation is a formal agreement between parties that a particular fact is true or that a procedure will be followed, removing the need to prove or argue that point.

Which term describes testimony given outside the courtroom but under oath and recorded for potential use at trial?

Answer: Deposition

A deposition is the oral testimony of a witness taken under oath outside of court, transcribed by a court reporter, and usable at trial for impeachment or as evidence.

What does 'chain of custody' mean as a legal concept that court interpreters must accurately convey?

Answer: The documented sequence of possession and handling of evidence

Chain of custody refers to the chronological documentation showing the seizure, control, transfer, and disposition of physical evidence to ensure its integrity.