...Court History and Purpose Paper Valerie Wilson CJA/224 January 21, 2013 Professor Jennifer Martin Court History and Purpose Paper A court is a place where justice is administered. It is a tribunal duly constituted for the hearing and determination of cases, and a session of a judicial assembly. The courts are here to settle disputes between parties. The purpose for the courts is to hear the defendant's cases and either rule to dismiss or sentence the defendant to some type of punishment. The defendant is given a chance to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty during their arraignment the judge may sentence them at that time or schedule them for sentencing. If they plead not guilty than their case is scheduled for a trial, depending on what charges are filed by the Prosecuting Attorney or District Attorney. During a trial officers, medical specialist, forensic experts, and witnesses may be subpoenaed. At this time the judge will hear both sides of the opposing counsel. The judge and jury are the fact finders. The jury will deliberate and come back to court with a decision. At this time the judge will read their decision and is the one who determines the law. At the sentencing the judge will make the final decision. If a defendant pleas no contest than they leave it up to the judge to choose what punishment or sentencing is given for that person. No matter what that defendant pleas during the arraignment they do give...
Words: 934 - Pages: 4
...Court History and Purpose Paper A court in general is defined as an organization or unit of the legal extension of government, approved or made by statute or constitution, and comprising of one or more legal officers, which has the power to choose cases, discussions in law, and question matters of certainty brought before it. There are three different components which include the following: To be viewed as a court, it must have legitimate lawful power, as spelled out in the constitutions or statutes, Courts are by and large found in the legal rather than authoritative and official extensions of government, and Courts are enabled to settle on choices that are tying. The thought of "[deciding] upon cases, debates in law, and questioned matters of truth" is known as arbitration, or "the procedure by which a court touches base at a choice with respect to a case. The functions of the courts are upholding the law, protecting individuals, resolving disputes, and reinforcing social norms. There are many different courts on both the State and Federal level, but the one that will be discussed is the United States District Court (Frank Schmalleger, January 2010). The United States District Courts are the trial courts of the government court framework. Inside cutoff points set by Congress and the Constitution, the area courts have locale to hear almost all classes of government cases, including both common and criminal matters. There are 94 government legal areas, including no less...
Words: 1375 - Pages: 6
...Court History and Purpose CJA/224 Court History and Purpose The court system in America has been around since the middle of the 1600’s and has played a crucial role in the development of how things are done when it comes to the criminal justice side. From today’s federal court and our typical state court, these dual court systems came about from a mutual agreement presented from our nation’s founders. In the last 200 years, states’ rights have gradually waned relative to the power of the federal government, but the dual-court system still exists. Even today, state courts do not hear cases involving alleged violations of federal law, nor do federal courts get involved in deciding issues of state law unless there is a conflict between local or state statutes (Schmalleger, p. 311, 2009). The first state court system for the American colonies was established as early as 1629 in Massachusetts. They created what was known by as a general court system. This court was comprised of 118 elected officials, and 18 assistants. This in fact set off a chain reaction and a decade later county courts were developed and the general court took on the role of a higher court. As time progressed, so did the courts. By 1776, all of the American colonies had established fully functional court systems (Schmalleger, p. 313, 2009). In wasn’t until 1789 when congress gathered to discuss a judicial power for the United States. So on March 4th of that same year the Supreme Court was established...
Words: 1190 - Pages: 5
...Student Courts Purpose Structure is needed for a well rounded community. It is important for our students to know the do’s and don’ts of the schools policy, to implant the structure of rules into our minds. The world we live in, the people who surround us, the ones we grow to know should be aware of the wrongs of life. In my opinion, student court inside of high school is an excellent start. What better way to express the consequences of the negative actions of a student than student court? The purpose of Student Court is to relieve some of the time used by people in administration in handling minor disciplinary violations. The goal of Student Court is to actually help students achieve more responsible, healthy, and productive lifestyles. It also gives students knowledge of the legal and judicial system in the whole process. Student Court helps the student involved to realize how their behavior has negatively impacted the school, their classmates, the schools environment, as well as help them acknowledge that impact and want to make up for the situation. It also gives YHS high School students a high role in their own school environment by allowing them to decide each other’s fate when violating school policy. Ypsilanti High Schools student court doesn’t only give our students the chance to think about careers in law, but it allows them to see a better way of handling a problem. I myself participated in a few student court cases and in my honest opinion it’s a whole...
Words: 1063 - Pages: 5
...Court History and Purpose CJA/224 July 28, 2012 Court History and Purpose This paper will cover topics such as; what a court is and what the purpose of the court is. This paper will define the dual court system. In addition this paper will describe the role that early legal codes, the common law and the precedent played in the development of courts. And lastly this paper will identify the role of the courts in the criminal justice system today. The courts are a part of the judicial branch in the three branches of government. This means that in this branch the laws are interpreted. Like the other two branches, it works to keep the criminal justice system running as smoothly as possible. The laws are make in the legislative branch and is enforced in the executive branch. The police are a part of the executive branch. So when some one breaks a law, the job of the police, executive branch, is to arrest or ticked said offender. After an arrest or a citation or ticket is made, the next step is the court proceedings. In a case that an arrest is made, the offender is brought in front of a judge and bail is set. After that, if need be, the case is brought to prosecution. If the prosecution takes that case, then the case is put on trial. This is important because it shows just what the judicial part of government and the court part of the criminal justice system does, and why it is important. So the court systems job is to interpret the law and bring justice...
Words: 812 - Pages: 4
...Court History and Purpose The judicial arm of the government is an important function of said institution. Without which there would be no avenue to address disputes between parties and bring justice to criminals. Early legal code, common law and precedent serve as today’s court systems foundation. Courts Purpose Courts make up the Judicial Branch of the Government. The textbook, Courts and Criminal Justice in America notes that it is hard to come up with a summarizing definition of a court. However, the U.S. Justice Department defines a court as “an agency or unit of the judicial branch of government, authorized or established by statute or constitution, and consisting of one or more judicial officers, which has the authority to decide upon cases, controversies in law, and disputed matters of fact brought before it (Siegel, Schmalleger, & Worrall, 2011).” The court system’s role in society is to decide what punishment should be assigned to individual crimes. Although some crimes have mandatory minimum sentences which are passed by the legislature, judicial officers, or judges take great care in determining what the proper sentence is when dealing with the case in front of them. In United States society there are many different types of courts with varying purposes. For example, individual counties within the several states have their own traffic court. This court determines the penalties for traffic injunctions such as speeding. Another type of court is a small claims...
Words: 844 - Pages: 4
...Court History and Purpose When a crime is committed society expects the offender of the crime to have to answer for their wrongdoings. This is where the American court system comes into action. A court is designed for defendants to have a fair and speedy trial. Speedy may not happen in all cases though but a defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty under a court of law. The criminal justice system has due process that covers individualization. This makes it difficult to arrest and sentence an individual. Not saying that it is easy get off from committing a crime but all elements of the crime have to be met in order to convict someone. Every case is different and the circumstances can vary to a great degree but it always goes back to a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. According to Siegel, Schmalleger, and Worrall (2011), “U.S. Justice Department has defined a court concisely as an agency or unit of the judicial branch of government, authorized or established by statute or constitution, and consisting of one or more judicial officers, which has the authority to decide upon cases, controversies in law, and disputed matters of fact brought before it” (Chapter 1). The primary role of courts is to reach a decision involving a dispute. This comes down to determining who the guilty parties are or if they are not guilty in criminal and civil cases. Dual consists of at least two parts. In America we have the dual court system which consists of two different...
Words: 796 - Pages: 4
...Courts are critical in the American criminal justice because they determine what should happen to people charged with violating the law. Courts are important beyond criminal justice, too. Disputes that arise between private parties, businesses, government officials, and the like are brought to court in order to ensure that they are heard, ideally, in a neutral forum (Siegel, Schmalleger, and Worrall, (2011). To understand the whole court process there are three distinct elements that have to be consider to become a court, it must have proper legal authority and have all of the guild lines within the constitution. Courts are generally found in the judicial as opposed to legislative and executive branches of government, and ‘courts are empowered to make decisions that are binding. The notion of “deciding upon cases, controversies in law, and disputed matters of fact” is known as adjudication, or “the process by which a court arrives at a decision regarding a case” (Siegel, Schmalleger, & Worrall, 2011). The court system I am describing is Juvenile Court. Juvenile court cases are handled different than adult cases. Juvenile courts are designed to handle juvenile cases of delinquency. Juvenile delinquency matters in most states are treated as civil matters or family law matters. Juvenile cases range from drug dependency issues to truancy may be heard in juvenile court. Guardians or parents of the juvenile are required to appear and participate in the disposition of their child’s...
Words: 737 - Pages: 3
...Design Responsibility under Design and Construct Contracts: Some issues for Principals Introduction There are a number of reasons design and construct (D&C) contracts are attractive to principals and lenders. There is a single point of responsibility for both design and construction aspects of the project, the principal is able to fast track the project although not all aspects of the construction are complete, there is greater certainty of price and the contractor is involved from the earliest stage in planning design and programming. In consequence, the principal will need to accept a higher price for the contractor to take on this additional risk compared to more traditional construct only contracts. This paper will identify some issues for principals to consider when allocating design responsibility to contractors within a D&C project. These issues arise as the design and construct process involves a fundamental conflict of interest. Principals desire to have constructed a product of the best quality for the lowest possibly price. The contractor on the other hand is more likely to make a higher profit if the product is of a lower quality (and therefore cost) and a higher price (as opposed to costs). In addition, although a greater proportion of design risk is placed on the contractor, this passing of risk is often accompanied by the abrogation of responsibility and loss of control. The paper will refer to the approaches of 3 standard form contracts -...
Words: 13290 - Pages: 54
...Court History and Purpose Paper Nerissa N. Lee CJA/224 Nov. 29, 2012 Ashley Kintzer Court History and Purpose Paper The Court is where disputes are settled, law is born, and where individuals accused of criminal crimes go. Courts are simply the civilized way to handle issue in a legal, organized civilized manner. It is a critical component of American justice system. Courts is defined by the book as, “An agency or unit of the judicial branch of government, authorized or established by statute or constitution, and consisting of one or more judicial officers, which has authority to decide upon cases, controversies in law, and disputed matters of fact brought before it.” (Siegel, Schmalleger, & Worral, 2011). The purpose or the function of the courts can be narrowed down to four important things: 1. Courts are to uphold the law; 2. Protect individuals; 3.Resolve disputes; 4. reinforcing the social norms. However in the United States we have what is referred to as a dual court system. A dual court system can be defined as a judicial system comprising federal- and state- level judicial systems. A dual court system separates federal and state courts. According to the book a dual court system is advantageous and desirable because it is parallel to federalism. Federalism is a system of government where power is constitutionally divided between central governing body and various constituent units. In the United States, the federal government makes laws, but federalism also...
Words: 660 - Pages: 3
...Court History and Purpose Paper University of Phoenix CJA/224 Court History and Purpose Paper The criminal justice system is the set of agencies and processes that are established by governments to control delinquency and crimes with an objective to impose penalties to those who violate the laws. There are no single criminal justice systems in the United States but instead there are many similar individual systems. A court is an institution set up by the government to control crime, settling disputes through a legal process. The court system decides what the type of punishment should be to those who have committed crimes. By doing so, this helps society in diminishing crime rate. The system also provides a reasonable way to decide private disputes that individuals may not be able to resolve themselves. Adversary process is used by courts to help reach a decision. This process includes both sides to professionally state arguments to the judge or jury that will determine each case and find a solution. The dual court system is two separated court systems that include a state court system and a federal court system. Federal courts are established in the country under the United States Constitution by Congress to decide disputes that involve the Constitution and laws that are passed by Congress. Federal courts only hear the following: cases which involve the United States party, cases involving violations of federal laws, cases between citizens of different states exceeding...
Words: 686 - Pages: 3
...Major Definite Purpose: Questions to Ask Yourself (3) 1. 5 most basic virtues: Love, Peace, Truth, Right Actions and Non-Violence. I strongly believe in allowing the universe to take its course in my life. I live life through a “vision board”, where I envision all that I want out of life and strongly affirm to making it happen. I believe that it is only when you see others are divine sparks of God will you have truly realized the purpose of life. I live or at least try to inculcate in my life the 5 values listed above and all my thoughts words and actions are benchmarked on those. 2. To be successful – career wise To be the best mother and wife I possibly can To enjoy life to the fullest 3. Do everything to ensure that my child is well taken care of use every moment to realize God consciousness. 4. Give it to my parents. They have worked so hard for everything and I want to be able to give them some time to rest and relax and enjoy life. 5. Letting my superiors know what I really think of them. Speaking out, especially if it is not positive is something that I have a problem doing. 6. My belief in God and my family. My husband and son are my greatest joy and pride and bring me the greatest sense of accomplishment. 7. Dream of being able to rid the world of poverty. While it may seem like an over ambitious goal, it is heart wrenching to see children suffer for food that some people throw away so much of everyday. If I can guarantee this I would take...
Words: 841 - Pages: 4
... Abstract This paper intends to the necessity of personal development for promoting our country in the map of the world. The paper discuss on the role of personal development that we need in every aspects in our life. It will be able to make us more effective that will help us to reach our goals. The concept of the paper is discussed into a main article (Necessity of personal development) which is distributed in different sections. These sections had told about the role of personal development in our life such as setting goals, focusing, balancing and recognizing our strengths, are all positive attitudes and we need positive thoughts and behaviors in order to accomplish the purpose of life. ROLE OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 3 INTRODUCTION Self development is personal development which can be used to support the person in achieving goals and objectives. It is the process of knowing and enhancing our attitudes, behavior and feelings to have a healthier , happier and successful life. Peter Drucker (1955) postulates that “Development is always self-development. Nothing could be more absurd than for the enterprise to assume responsibility for the development of a man . The responsibility rests with the individual...
Words: 1452 - Pages: 6
...for this stage because she will grow to be outgoing and sociable as their reflection along with being affectionate to others from the attention she was given in this stage. (Early child hood 2-3 years) In the early childhood stage Crystal is becoming curious and attempting to achieve some type of independence such as feeding herself and learning to use the bathroom on her own. Crystal is speaking and saying small words and already walking. This stage is a success with the interactive behavior from the parents and family being encouraging of independence and autonomy. (Preschool 3 to 5 years) Crystal is taught become aware of helping family with small chores and assisting with younger siblings. The success of this stage is the given purpose in life and power. (School age 6 to 11 years) Crystal now understands the importance of school work and teachers expecting her to complete certain educational tasks. In this stage the conflicts are industry Vs inferiority. The success of this stage leads to a sense of competency. (Adolescence 12 to 18) Crystal is surrounded by friends who are all different as far as personality she is learning her identity and is easily confused in social relationships. Her parents teach her to remain independent and mentally strong as well as to continue to be who she is at all times. The success of this stage is that she...
Words: 545 - Pages: 3
...positive definition one can make of "what it is." We as humans are aware that we have the freedom to choose but this is a decision made possible by our own free will and freedom. "Bad faith" is the paradoxical free decision to deny to ourselves this inescapable freedom. As humans we are consciously aware of who we are and aware of what we are. However "Bad faith" offers the free decision to deny ourselves of this freedom. Sartre cites a café waiter, whose movements and conversation are a little too keenly. He is eager to please and he carries the food solidly and impressively, "his movement is quick and forward, a little too precise, a little too rapid". His exaggerated behavior demonstrates that he is acting as a waiter, and as though his purpose in life is to simply be a waiter. He is obviously acting that lie and is aware that he is not just a waiter, but is rather consciously deceiving himself as a waiter. Sartre believes that this is "bad faith."...
Words: 276 - Pages: 2
