Federal judges can exclude evidence from a prosecution if the judge finds that police conducted an illegal seizure.
November 20, 2025
high
temporal
Legal principle illustrated when a judge suppresses evidence obtained through an unlawful stop or seizure.
Closing arguments in criminal trials occur after the prosecution and the defense have rested their cases.
November 19, 2025
high
procedural
Typical sequence of trial proceedings
A hung jury in a criminal trial results in no verdict and typically permits the government to retry the case, subject to constitutional and procedural limits on delay.
October 19, 2025
high
legal
If jurors cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the prosecution may seek a new trial unless barred by speedy-trial or other legal constraints.
Federal judges can revoke a defendant's pretrial release (bond) if the prosecution persuades the court there is a serious risk the defendant will threaten, injure, or intimidate witnesses or jurors.
October 14, 2025
high
temporal
U.S. federal criminal procedure regarding conditions of release and bond revocation.
Public statements by a president asserting an individual's guilt or urging prosecution can be used by a criminal defense to argue that the prosecution was motivated by political animus and therefore potentially vindictive.
October 08, 2025
high
legal
Describes a legal strategy by which defense teams may use high-level public comments to support a vindictive-prosecution claim.
A dismissal 'without prejudice' in a criminal case allows the prosecution to refile the charges.
September 22, 2025
high
legal
General criminal procedure principle regarding dismissals without prejudice.