Civics 4.3-4.4

what citizens think

polls - surveys taken using a form of a random sample (small group of people which represent some of the larger group of the whole)

impact party platforms and will express position on issue

politically involved

in action: voting or petition

Activist more radical then the normal citizen - may participate in protest

Slander - a false statement about someone with the intent of harming their public image

Libel - any published lie that has the same intent in harming a person

Apathy - not caring

maintain an orderly and beneficial society

Criminal Laws and Civil Laws

Penal Codes (state laws referring to crimes, what they are and punishments)

Mandatory Sentencing - for all crimes there is a mandatory and maximum sentence

Establishes a basis for judges and juries

Prosecution - formal charges against the accused in court

Incarceration - jail or prison

Probation - out of jail or prison but still under purview of prison officials (Supervised and Unsupervised)

Suspended Sentence - decreased time for good behavior

less serious cases pay fine

Goal: maintain public safety

govern relationships between private individuals and/or entities like businesses

Civil court

lawsuit - Plaintiff v Defendant

plaintiff - initiates lawsuit

Defendant - lawsuit filed against

Damages - money $

Countersues - defendant sues plaintiff