constitutional law vocabulary

jurisdiction

courts legal authority act

constitution

the established form of government in a state; system of fundamental rules and principles

amendment

alteration to something

precedent

binding court decisions

inherent

within, basic to, built-in

interpret

establish the meaning or significance of something

affidavit

statement of facts in writing signed by the party, sworn to before a magistrate

tradition

a long-established custom

infraction

an offense not punishable by imprisonment

misdemeanor

all crimes other than felonies and infractions

defendant

one against whom a civil or criminal action is brought

unreasonable

being or going beyond accepted or reasonable limits

jeopardy

the risk of being convicted

incriminate

to accuse somebody of a crime or error

impartial

not biased; unprejudiced