👨🏻‍⚖️Criminal Justice Unit 7 – The Court System and Judicial Process

Key Players in the Court System

• Judges preside over court proceedings, interpret the law, and make decisions on cases
  • Trial judges oversee trials, hear evidence, and instruct juries
  • Appellate judges review lower court decisions and interpret the law
• Prosecutors represent the government in criminal cases and work to prove the defendant's guilt
  • Responsible for filing charges, presenting evidence, and arguing the case
  • Examples include district attorneys and U.S. attorneys
• Defense attorneys represent the accused and work to protect their rights and interests
  • May be appointed by the court (public defenders) or hired privately
  • Responsible for challenging evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting a defense
• Juries are a group of citizens selected to hear evidence and render a verdict in a trial
  • Responsible for determining the facts of the case based on the evidence presented
  • In criminal cases, juries decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty
• Court clerks manage administrative tasks in the court, such as maintaining records and assisting judges
• Bailiffs maintain order and security in the courtroom and assist with administrative tasks

Structure of the Court System

• The U.S. court system is divided into federal and state courts, each with its own jurisdiction
• Federal courts handle cases involving federal laws, the Constitution, and disputes between states or citizens of different states
  • The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest federal court and has the final say on constitutional matters
  • U.S. District Courts are the trial courts of the federal system
  • U.S. Courts of Appeals hear appeals from district courts and certain federal agencies
• State courts handle cases involving state laws and local disputes
  • Each state has its own court system, typically consisting of trial courts, appellate courts, and a state supreme court
  • Some states also have specialized courts, such as family courts or drug courts
• The principle of stare decisis, or following precedent, helps ensure consistency in court decisions
• The doctrine of judicial review allows courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and government actions

Types of Courts and Their Jurisdiction

• Trial courts, also known as courts of original jurisdiction, are where cases begin and evidence is presented
  • In criminal cases, trial courts determine guilt or innocence and impose sentences
  • Examples include U.S. District Courts and state superior courts
• Appellate courts review decisions made by lower courts to determine if legal errors were made
  • They do not hear new evidence or retry cases, but rather focus on the application of the law
  • Examples include U.S. Courts of Appeals and state appellate courts
• The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation and has the final say on constitutional matters
  • It has discretionary jurisdiction, meaning it can choose which cases to hear
  • Its decisions are binding on all lower courts
• Specialized courts focus on specific types of cases or issues
  • Examples include bankruptcy courts, tax courts, and veterans courts
• Jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide cases
  • Subject matter jurisdiction relates to the types of cases a court can hear (criminal, civil, etc.)
  • Geographic jurisdiction relates to the physical area where a court has authority

Stages of a Criminal Trial

• Pretrial proceedings include the initial appearance, bail hearing, and arraignment
  • At the initial appearance, the defendant is informed of the charges and their rights
  • At the bail hearing, the court determines whether the defendant can be released pending trial
  • At the arraignment, the defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
• Jury selection, or voir dire, involves questioning potential jurors to ensure a fair and impartial jury
• Opening statements allow the prosecution and defense to outline their case and what they expect to prove
• The prosecution presents its case first, calling witnesses and introducing evidence
  • The defense has the right to cross-examine prosecution witnesses
• The defense may then present its case, calling witnesses and introducing evidence
  • The prosecution has the right to cross-examine defense witnesses
• Closing arguments allow both sides to summarize their case and argue for a particular verdict
• The judge instructs the jury on the applicable law and the jury deliberates to reach a verdict
• If the defendant is found guilty, the judge determines the sentence at a separate sentencing hearing

Legal Procedures and Rules

• The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures
  • Police generally need probable cause and a warrant to conduct a search
  • Evidence obtained through an illegal search may be excluded from trial (exclusionary rule)
• The Fifth Amendment provides the right against self-incrimination and the right to due process
  • Defendants cannot be forced to testify against themselves
  • The government must follow proper procedures and respect individual rights
• The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, and the assistance of counsel
  • Defendants have the right to an attorney, even if they cannot afford one (public defenders)
• The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishment
• The rules of evidence govern what evidence can be presented in court and how it must be handled
  • Relevant evidence is generally admissible, while irrelevant or prejudicial evidence may be excluded
  • The chain of custody must be maintained to ensure the integrity of physical evidence
• Plea bargaining involves negotiations between the prosecution and defense to resolve a case without a trial
  • Defendants may agree to plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence

Role of Judges and Juries

• Judges are responsible for ensuring that court proceedings are fair and follow the law
  • They rule on the admissibility of evidence, instruct the jury on the law, and impose sentences
  • In bench trials, judges also determine guilt or innocence
• Judges have the power to hold individuals in contempt of court for disruptive behavior or failure to comply with court orders
• Juries are responsible for determining the facts of a case based on the evidence presented
  • They are the "finders of fact" and must weigh the credibility of witnesses and evidence
  • In criminal cases, juries must determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
• Juries are selected through the voir dire process, which involves questioning potential jurors to identify any biases or conflicts
• Jury nullification occurs when a jury acquits a defendant despite evidence of guilt, often based on a belief that the law is unjust or misapplied
  • While rare, jury nullification is a controversial power that highlights the role of juries as a check on government power

Sentencing and Appeals Process

• Sentencing occurs after a defendant is found guilty and is the process of determining the appropriate punishment
  • Judges consider factors such as the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances
  • Sentences may include imprisonment, fines, probation, or community service
• Sentencing guidelines provide a framework for judges to determine appropriate sentences based on the crime and the defendant's background
  • Some states have mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes, which limit judicial discretion
• The appeals process allows defendants to challenge their conviction or sentence in a higher court
  • Grounds for appeal may include legal errors, insufficient evidence, or ineffective assistance of counsel
  • The appellate court may affirm the lower court's decision, reverse it, or send the case back for a new trial
• Habeas corpus is a legal action that allows defendants to challenge the legality of their imprisonment
  • It is often used to raise constitutional issues or to challenge the effectiveness of legal representation
• Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner before the end of their sentence, subject to supervision and certain restrictions
  • Parole boards determine whether an inmate is suitable for release based on factors such as behavior in prison and likelihood of recidivism

Current Issues and Debates in the Judicial System

• Racial disparities in the criminal justice system, particularly in sentencing and incarceration rates, have led to calls for reform
  • Studies have shown that minorities, particularly African Americans, are more likely to be arrested, convicted, and receive harsher sentences than whites for similar crimes
  • Efforts to address these disparities include sentencing reforms, implicit bias training, and community policing initiatives
• The use of plea bargaining has come under scrutiny, as it can pressure defendants to plead guilty even if they are innocent or have a strong defense
  • Critics argue that plea bargaining undermines the right to a fair trial and disproportionately affects low-income and minority defendants
  • Supporters argue that plea bargaining is necessary to manage high caseloads and avoid the costs and uncertainties of trials
• The role of money bail in the pretrial process has been criticized as unfairly penalizing low-income defendants
  • Many defendants remain in jail awaiting trial simply because they cannot afford bail, which can lead to job loss, family disruption, and pressure to plead guilty
  • Some jurisdictions have implemented bail reforms, such as risk assessment tools and non-monetary release conditions, to address these concerns
• The impact of social media and technology on the judicial system is an emerging issue
  • The use of social media by jurors, witnesses, and even judges can lead to mistrials, appeals, and ethical violations
  • The admissibility of digital evidence, such as cell phone records and social media posts, is an evolving area of the law
• The increasing use of specialty courts, such as drug courts and mental health courts, reflects a shift towards problem-solving approaches in the judicial system
  • These courts aim to address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior, such as addiction and mental illness, through treatment and supervision rather than traditional punishment
  • While promising, specialty courts also raise concerns about due process, net widening, and the appropriate role of the judicial system in addressing social problems