Test Yourself

Task I. Choose one word to complete the following sentences.

1. A formal order given to arrest a person is called __________ .

a) summon	c) a lawsuit
b) a warrant	d) a sentence

2. A panel of 12 persons to hold trials is called _________ .

a) court	c) jury
b) Supreme Court	d) jury pool

3. A person who breaks the law or violates public order is called __________ .

a) a criminal	c) a defendant
b) a suspect	d) a plaintiff

4. All facts and things presented to court to prove the guilt of the accused are called __________ .

a) testimony	c) evidence
b) physical exhibits	d) a counterclaim

5. Placing a convicted person under control of a special police officer is called __________ .

a) a fine	c) imprisonment
b) a probation	d) execution

6. The decision of a court made after the trial of a defendant is called ________.

a) a verdict	c) an appeal
b) an oath	d) a sentence

7. If a person pleads not guilty and does not agree with the sentence he may file __________ .

a) a complaint	c) a lawsuit
b) a counterclaim	d) an appeal

8. The speech a counsel makes at the opening of the trial is called __________.

a) closing arguments	c) a verdict
b) opening statements	d) testimony

9. _____________ is the party who brings a lawsuit.

a) a witness	c) a defendant
b) a plaintiff	d) a judge

Speaking

Task I. Give a mini-lecture on the following problems.

1. Civil cases.

2. Criminal cases.

3. Distinction between criminal and civil cases.

Task II. Work in pairs. Get answers to the following questions from your partner.

1. What is a distinction of cases in Anglo-American law?

2. What is a civil case?

3. What is the party bringing a civil action called?

4. What is a defendant?

5. How does a plaintiff start the lawsuit?

6. What is a civil complaint?

7. What paper does the defendant file?

8. What is an answer?

9. In what case is the counterclaim filed?

10. Who must prove the case?

11. How must the plaintiff prove the case against the defendant?

12. What is a criminal case?

13. What is a party bringing a criminal action called?

14. What is the accused person in a criminal action called?

15. What paper is filed by the prosecution?

16. What is an information?

17. What is presumed throughout the trial?

18. How does the prosecution prove the case against the defendant?

19. Why is the plaintiff’s burden of proof greater in a criminal case?

20. Have we got the same distinction between criminal and civil cases in Russia?