SCCJA Cumulative Exam LATEST UPDATE WITH COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS JUST RELEASED THIS YEAR

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SCCJA Cumulative Exam LATEST UPDATE WITH
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS JUST RELEASED THIS YEAR

Question: Probable Cause and Dismissal findings at Preliminary Hearing - CORRECT

ANSWER✔✔If probable cause is found, then the case is held for grand jury action. Dismissal at

this stage DOES NOT prevent the solicitor from taking the case directly to the grand jury. The

state is not required to present ALL of their evidence at this stage.




Question: Grand Jury - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- consists of 18 jurors


- 12 must agree before there will be a "true bill"


- they decide whether there is sufficient evidence to send the Defendant to trial


- if they return a true bill then the indictment is prepared




Question: indictment - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔formal charging document




Question: Arraignment - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔The defendant is advised of the charge and his

rights. Defendant may enter a plea.



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- guilty


- nolo contendere


- not guilty


- no plea




Question: What pleas can a Defendant make to a charge that require the State to prove their

guilt at trial? - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔Not Guilty or No Plea




Question: Nolle Prosequi (Nol Pros) - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔Legal notice that a lawsuit or

prosecution has been abandoned. Dismissal without prejudice.




You can bring the charge back at a later date because jeopardy has not attached yet.




Question: When can Pre-Trial and Plea Hearings take place? - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔They can

happen at any point in the process after the arrest and bond hearing.


(Most cases end in plea negotiations)




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Question: PTI (Pretrial Intervention) can only be used for crimes that are ____________ and

________. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔MINOR and NONVIOLENT




Question: Pretrial Intervention is not available if charged with: - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- DUI


- traffic offense punishable only by fine or loss of points


- a crime of violence defined in Section 16-1-60




(some solicitors will add more to this list)




Question: Who may prosecute a Summary Court case in SC? - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- an

attorney


- the arresting officer


- the arresting officer's supervisor may assist


- a licensed security guard (if the crime occurred on the private property the guard was hired to

protect)




Question: Pre-Trial Motions - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- can be requested by the state OR the

defandant



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- examples: continuance, sequestration of witnesses, or defendant's prior record


- ISSUES OF LAW




Question: Peremptory Challenges (Jury Strikes) - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔If either side strikes a

juror and the strike is challenged, there must be a racially neutral and gender neutral reason

given for the strike.




Question: "Impanel a Jury" = - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔jury selection




Question: Events in the Trial - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- opening statements


- state's case-in-chief


- directed verdict motion


- defense's case-in-chief


- closing arguments




Question: Opening Statements (in a trial) - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔The prosecution (state)

opens FIRST.




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