Skip to main content

criminal law and procedure

trap and trace device

A trap and trace device is a device or process that records the sources of incoming signals to a specific phone or computer. This is often used by law enforcement as the advanced counterpart of Caller ID. A trap and trace device identifies the phone numbers or Internet addresses of incoming signals, but does not include substantive information transmitted by those signals. 

Compare to: Pen register

See also:

Taxonomy upgrade extras

trial court

Trial courts are any courts that hear a case first, referred to as courts of original jurisdiction. A trial court makes both findings of fact and law through a full trial expounding the evidence of the case. The findings of law may be appealed to a higher court that has the power of review.

turn state's evidence

Turn state’s evidence (also known as “turn King’s evidence”) or to "flip” means the defendant chose to reveal valuable evidence to the prosecutor, in exchange for a reduction of the charge or the dismissal of some charges. When the defendant “flips” they are said to have "turned state's evidence.” 

Subscribe to criminal law and procedure