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Justice

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Week Three Read Me First

criminal courts

INTRODUCTION

This week focuses on the criminal court system. Courts are typically limited in geographical jurisdiction and in the cases that they can hear. The United States has a dual court system in which the courts closely resemble and complement one another. The courts also have what is known as a courtroom work group that consists of the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, baliff, clerk, and court reporters. The roles of the courtroom workgroup will be discussed at length this week.

This Week in Relation to the Course

This week, you explore what happens after arrest. All offenders must go through a series of steps following arrest and detention. This process involves the court system and a number of players who have an integral role in the criminal justice system, such as mental health workers, probation officers, jurors, and so on. The defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge are three of the most important positions involved in this process.

The roles of the prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, and other members of the court are examined. You learn about the options that judges consider when determining punishment. You also explore the premise of determinate and indeterminate sentencing and how it affects the actions of the court.

The differences between the federal and the state courts and between adult and juvenile court systems are another important aspect of this week. You discuss the various steps during the pretrial process, jury selection, and trial, as well as the process of plea bargaining and its value in the criminal justice system.

Discussion of a Key Point, Thread, or Objective

While reading the assigned chapters, consider the rights of the accused, such as the right to a speedy trial, legal counsel, and the right to know the charges. How do these rights factor into how the

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