1.
What do you call a complaint filed against a defendant in a civil case?
Correct Answer
A. Lawsuit
Explanation
A complaint filed against a defendant in a civil case is commonly referred to as a lawsuit. In a civil case, the plaintiff files a lawsuit against the defendant to seek a legal remedy for a perceived wrong or harm. Lawsuits are a formal way of initiating a legal action and typically involve a legal process where both parties present their arguments and evidence before a judge or jury.
2.
What type of jurisdiction does the North Carolina District Court have?
Correct Answer
B. Original
Explanation
The North Carolina District Court has original jurisdiction. This means that it is the court where cases are initially filed and heard. It has the authority to hear both civil and criminal cases, and it is the lowest level of the state court system. The District Court is responsible for handling a wide range of cases, including traffic violations, small claims, family law matters, and misdemeanor criminal offenses.
3.
Which part of the criminal law process tests the testimony and credibility of a witness?
Correct Answer
C. Cross examination
Explanation
Cross examination is the part of the criminal law process that tests the testimony and credibility of a witness. During cross examination, the opposing party's attorney has the opportunity to question the witness in order to challenge their statements, credibility, and reliability. This allows for a thorough examination of the witness's version of events and can help uncover inconsistencies or falsehoods in their testimony. Cross examination is an essential tool in the pursuit of justice as it helps to ensure that the truth is revealed and that the court can make an informed decision based on reliable evidence.
4.
What is the restrictions put in place to protect citizens from cruel and unusual punishment called?
Correct Answer
D. Mandatory sentencing
Explanation
Mandatory sentencing refers to the restrictions put in place to protect citizens from cruel and unusual punishment. It is a legal principle that requires judges to impose a predetermined minimum sentence for certain crimes, regardless of the circumstances or individual factors involved. This practice aims to ensure consistency and fairness in sentencing, preventing judges from imposing excessively harsh or lenient punishments. By mandating specific sentences, it serves as a safeguard against potential abuses of judicial discretion and protects citizens from cruel and unusual punishment.
5.
What amendment gave women suffrage?
Correct Answer
C. 19th
Explanation
The 19th amendment gave women suffrage, granting them the right to vote. This amendment was ratified in 1920, after a long and arduous struggle by the women's suffrage movement. It was a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality and marked a major step towards ensuring equal political rights for all citizens, regardless of gender.
6.
What is a call to criminal court called?
Correct Answer
B. Subpoena
Explanation
A call to criminal court is referred to as a subpoena. A subpoena is a legal document that orders an individual to appear in court as a witness or to provide evidence. It is typically issued by the court or an attorney and is used to ensure the presence of the person in question during legal proceedings. A subpoena can also be used to request documents or other forms of evidence to be brought to court.
7.
What amendment was expanded by Miranda vs. Arizona?
Correct Answer
B. 5th
Explanation
The correct answer is the 5th amendment. The Miranda vs. Arizona case expanded the 5th amendment by establishing the Miranda rights, which include the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during police questioning. This landmark case ensured that individuals are aware of their rights and protected against self-incrimination during the criminal justice process.
8.
What term refers to the 60 vote majority to end a filibuster?
Correct Answer
B. Cloture
Explanation
Cloture refers to the 60 vote majority needed to end a filibuster. A filibuster is a tactic used in the United States Senate to delay or block a vote on a proposed legislation. By invoking cloture, the Senate can limit further debate and proceed to a final vote. This rule ensures that a supermajority is required to end a filibuster, promoting compromise and preventing a minority from indefinitely delaying the legislative process.
9.
What is it called when the defense attorney offers a lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea?
Correct Answer
C. Plea bargaining
Explanation
Plea bargaining is the correct answer because it refers to the practice where the defense attorney negotiates with the prosecution to secure a lighter sentence for the defendant in exchange for a guilty plea. This allows for a compromise between the two parties and avoids a lengthy trial process. Cross examination refers to the questioning of a witness by the opposing party's attorney during a trial. Mandatory sentencing refers to predetermined sentences for specific crimes. Original jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case for the first time.
10.
What court case overturned Plessy vs. Ferguson?
Correct Answer
D. Brown vs. Board of Education
Explanation
Brown vs. Board of Education is the correct answer because it is the court case that overturned the Plessy vs. Ferguson ruling. Plessy vs. Ferguson established the "separate but equal" doctrine, allowing for racial segregation. However, Brown vs. Board of Education declared that separate educational facilities for different races were inherently unequal and violated the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause. This landmark case played a crucial role in the civil rights movement and paved the way for desegregation in public schools.