judicial system
Where trials happen
A judicial system is the network of courts, judges, and legal procedures that interprets and applies the law in a jurisdiction.
It resolves disputes, determines guilt or innocence in criminal cases, and enforces legal rights.
Countries structure their judicial systems differently—some with separate civil and criminal courts, others with unified hierarchies: The case worked its way through the judicial system for years.
Judicial examination of claims
- arraignmentCharge-reading court session
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness
- verdictOfficial court decision
plea · deliberation · evidence · indictment · sentencing · objection · subpoena · deposition
Impartial treatment or ownership value
- fairnessJust and equal treatment
- impartialityFreedom from prejudice
- due processGuaranteed judicial fairness
- accountabilityObligation for one's actions
redress · retribution · rehabilitation · restitution · acquittal · conviction · sentencing · proportionality
Legal decision-making body
- defendantParty facing charges
- prosecutorGovernment's trial lawyer
- plaintiffCivil case initiator
- witnessOne who attests
attorney · bailiff · clerk · public defender · district attorney · appellant · respondent · counsel
Shared seating surface
- tribunalJudicial decision-making body
- magistrateCivil judicial officer
- appellateRelating to appeals
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
chambers · docket · clerk · bailiff · litigant · courtroom · gavel · robes
Inherent physical or structural makeup
- legislatureLawmaking governmental branch
- executiveSenior organizational leader
- separation of powersConstitutional distribution of authority
- checks and balancesConstitutional power-limiting framework
oversight · administration · sovereignty · authority · federalism · appointment · confirmation · impeachment
trial
Judicial examination of claims
- arraignmentCharge-reading court session
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness
verdict · plea · deliberation · evidence · indictment · sentencing · objection · subpoena · deposition · discovery
equity
Impartial treatment or ownership value
- fairnessJust and equal treatment
- impartialityFreedom from prejudice
- due processGuaranteed judicial fairness
accountability · redress · retribution · rehabilitation · restitution · acquittal · conviction · sentencing · proportionality · rights
jury
Legal decision-making body
- defendantParty facing charges
- prosecutorGovernment's trial lawyer
- plaintiffCivil case initiator
witness · attorney · bailiff · clerk · public defender · district attorney · appellant · respondent · counsel · paralegal
bench
Shared seating surface
- tribunalJudicial decision-making body
- magistrateCivil judicial officer
- appellateRelating to appeals
circuit · chambers · docket · clerk · bailiff · litigant · courtroom · gavel · robes · presiding
constitution
Inherent physical or structural makeup
- legislatureLawmaking governmental branch
- executiveSenior organizational leader
- separation of powersConstitutional distribution of authority
checks and balances · oversight · administration · sovereignty · authority · federalism · appointment · confirmation · impeachment · regulatory
statute
Enacted written rule
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
- codeSymbolic communication system
- ordinanceOfficial government regulation
amendment · charter · enactment · decree · mandate · provision · clause · bylaw · precedent · case law
- governmentgovernment, ministries, legislature, executive branch, ministry
- lawlaw, lawyer, lawyers, attorney, attorneys
- systemsecosystems, ecosystem, biological systems, transportation network, communication systems
- Formal Structureshierarchy, bureaucracy, government, corporation, committee
- hierarchiestier, tiers, level, levels, rank
- legal systemsconstitutional law, criminal code, penal code, laws, civil procedure
judicial systemlegislature
Lawmaking governmental branch
legislative branch · executive branch · police · law enforcement · parliament
judicial systemvigilante justice
Unauthorized punishment by civilians
mob justice · lynch mob · self-help · blood feud · vendetta
judicial systemkangaroo court
Illegitimate proceeding ignoring procedure
tyranny · show trial · star chamber · summary execution · despotism
judge, system, justice, judgment, prejudice, judicious, systematic, judicial, jurisdiction