capital offense: A crime punishable by death.

circumstantial evidence: Indirect evidence of a fact at issue, based on related events or circumstances.

clemency: Leniency or mercy toward an offender.

commutation: In sentencing, the reduction of a sentence to a less severe punishment.

crime of passion: A crime committed by a person who is emotionally upset, enraged, or temporarily out of control.

defendant: The person in a trial accused of committing a crime.

deterrence: The prevention of an act because of fear.

furlough: A leave of absence.

habeas corpus: A writ commanding a person to appear before a judge or court for the purpose of releasing that person from unlawful detention or restraint.

homicide: Murder.

incarceration: Being placed in jail.

juvenile: A person under the age of eighteen.

lethal: Capable of causing death.

manslaughter: The unlawful killing, without malice, of one person by another.

mitigating: Making or becoming less...