CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN A METROPOLITAN COURT

• NCJ Number: 345
• Author(s): H I SUBIN
• Date Published: 1966
• Length: 209 pages
• Corporate Author: US Dept of Justice
• Sale Source: National Technical Information Service; National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

COMPOSITE VIEW OF OPERATIONS, PROBLEMS, AND NEEDS OF THE LOWER COURT IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Abstract

MOST FELONY CHARGES ARE INITIALLY PROCESSED IN THE COURT OF GENERAL SESSIONS, AND ALMOST ALL CHARGED WITH SERIOUS MISDEMEANORS ARE FULLY PROSECUTED THERE. TRIALS ARE RARE AND JUDICIAL DECISIONS REGARDING CONFESSIONS, SEIZURE OF EVIDENCE, AND OTHER PROCEDURAL RIGHTS ARE NEGLIGIBLE. THE REPORT DESCRIBES THE ROLE OF THE POLICE IN INITIATING LEGAL ACTION AND THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IN DECIDING TO PROSECUTE, REDUCE THE CHARGE, BARGAIN ON A PLEA, OR OTHER ACTION TO BE TAKEN. IF THE COURT IS TO TAKE ACTION, SOME FORM OF BAIL IS SET AND THE CASE IS ASSIGNED TO A JUDGE OR COURT. RECOMMENDATIONS INDICATE NEED FOR REFORM IN THE ANALYSIS OF CRIME CAUSES, CODE REVISIONS, COURT MANAGEMENT, AND SENTENCING. MORE JUDGES ARE NEEDED WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PARTICULAR ABILITIES. APPENDIXES GIVE COURT STATISTICS, EXAMPLES OF FORMS USED IN HANDLING MISDEMEANORS, AND PROJECTS FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN PROCEDURES OF THE COURT OF GENERAL SESSIONS.