NCJ Number
193371
Date Published
2002
Length
494 pages
Annotation
This book provides a comprehensive examination of the trial process.
Abstract
This book begins with an examination of law and its social and political origins. Chapter 2 describes Federal and State court organization and various functions of these different types of courts. Chapters 3 and 4 examine prosecutors and defense counsels in detail, identifying their principal functions and duties. Judges are discussed in Chapter 5, along with the types of systems used for judicial selection and the remedies available for judicial misconduct. The jury process, the topic of Chapter 6, is at the heart of the legal system. Various methods for discharging prospective jurors are examined, including challenges for cause and peremptory challenges. Chapter 7 deals with pretrial procedures, such as diversion and dispute resolution programs. A frequently used resolution strategy for criminal offenders is plea bargaining, which is discussed in Chapter 8. The different types of plea-bargaining as well as pros and cons are also discussed. The actual trial process is illustrated in Chapter 9, including pretrial motions, opening arguments, cross-examination, expert witnesses, and defense and summation. Chapter 10 deals with sentencing and appeal, including forms of sentencing, truth in sentencing, and the presentence investigation report. Chapter 11 examines the juvenile justice system, with particular emphasis on how the juvenile court system is structured and operated. Chapter 12 examines the influence of the media on the court process. Media in the courtroom is explored, and the pros and cons of media coverage are examined in terms of how public opinion is shaped. Glossary, references, index