Spelling and Vocabulary Flashcards

Which word is spelled correctly for the legal term meaning a crime less serious than a felony?

Answer: misdemeanor

Misdemeanor is the American English spelling (British: misdemeanour) for a lesser criminal offense.

A report describes a witness as 'recanting' their earlier statement. Recant means:

Answer: withdrawing or taking back a previous statement

To recant means to formally withdraw or renounce a previous statement or belief.

Choose the correctly spelled word for the process of questioning a witness already examined by the opposing side:

Answer: cross-examination

Cross-examination is spelled c-r-o-s-s-e-x-a-m-i-n-a-t-i-o-n, with 'a' before 't-i-o-n.'

What does the term 'exculpatory' mean in the context of evidence?

Answer: evidence tending to clear a person of blame or fault

Exculpatory evidence tends to exonerate the defendant by clearing them of guilt or blame.

Which spelling is correct for a person who gives false testimony under oath?

Answer: perjurer

Perjurer is spelled p-e-r-j-u-r-e-r, derived from 'perjury,' the crime of lying under oath.

An LAPD officer's report uses the word 'perpetuate.' In this context, perpetuate most likely means:

Answer: to cause something to continue indefinitely

Perpetuate means to make something continue indefinitely; it is distinct from 'perpetrate' (to commit a crime).

Select the correctly spelled word for the authority of a court to hear and decide a case:

Answer: jurisdiction

Jurisdiction is spelled j-u-r-i-s-d-i-c-t-i-o-n, from Latin 'juris' (law) + 'dicere' (to say).