Legal Terms From Arizona
Information Provided by the Police Department
Legal Terms From Arizona
Civil Law
Regulates private rights. In civil cases, two or more persons oppose each other. The government, represented by a judge, acts as a referee.Criminal Law
Regulates public contact and guarantees all people the right to safety for themselves and their property.
Juvenile Law
Designed to deal with and to help young people who get into trouble. The Juvenile Court assumes the responsibility for children who are neglected or dependent, and those who get into trouble with the law. In some cases a juvenile may be tried as an adult and be subject to adult punishment.
Crime
There are two classes of crimes. Serious crimes, called felonies and lesser crimes called misdemeanors.
Felony
Felonies are punishable by death or imprisonment in a state prison. Examples of felonies are murder, manslaughter, rape, kidnapping, robbery, burglary and grand theft.
Misdemeanor
Misdemeanors are lesser crimes, but are crimes all the same. Conviction could result in imprisonment in the county jail, a fine, or both. Vandalism, petty theft, simple assault and loitering are examples of misdemeanors.
Arrest
Arrest is the taking into custody of a person suspected of committing a crime. Police normally make arrests, but a citizen can make an arrest under some circumstances.
Sentence
The judge's punishment of a person found guilty of a crime. It may be a fine, probation, imprisonment, or even death. The judge may also give a "suspended" sentence, which means that it is not carried out.
Probation
Is an alternative punishment. the convicted person is placed under the supervision of the court through a probation officer. The person on probation must comply with regulations governing his conduct, residence and employment.
Parole
The releasing of a prisoner before the entire term is completed. While on parole the person is under the supervision of a parole officer and is treated much in the same manner as someone on probation