Due process: Due process refers to the principle that ensures fair treatment and legal proceedings for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. It ensures that individuals are provided with notice and an opportunity to be heard before the government takes any action that could deprive them of life, liberty, or property. This principle is enshrined in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution.

Probable cause: Probable cause is a standard of evidence used in criminal law to justify a search, seizure, or arrest. It refers to the reasonable belief that a crime has been or is being committed, based on specific facts and circumstances. Probable cause is required for law enforcement officials to obtain a search warrant or make an arrest.

Search warrant: A search warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officials to conduct a search of a specific location for evidence related to a crime. To obtain a search warrant, law enforcement officers must demonstrate probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime will be found in the location to be searched.

Exclusionary rule: The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that prohibits evidence obtained in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights from being used against them in court. It serves as a deterrent to unlawful police conduct and helps protect individuals' Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Indictment: An indictment is a formal accusation or charge issued by a grand jury, alleging that a person has committed a crime. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by prosecutors and determines whether there is sufficient probable cause to proceed with a criminal trial. Indictments are typically required for felony offenses in the United States.

Information: Information is a formal charging document filed by a prosecutor, alleging that a person has committed a crime. Unlike an indictment, which is issued by a grand jury, an information is filed by a prosecutor after conducting a preliminary hearing or presenting evidence to a judge. Informations are typically used for misdemeanor offenses or in jurisdictions where grand juries are not regularly convened.

Arraignment: Arraignment is a court proceeding where a defendant is formally advised of the charges against them and asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). It is usually one of the first stages in the criminal justice process after a defendant has been arrested or formally charged. During arraignment, the defendant may also be informed of their constitutional rights and given the opportunity to request legal representation if they cannot afford an attorney.