NCJ Number
75097
Date Published
1979
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Information on criminal law in Oklahoma is provided for teachers of citizenship courses at the secondary level in this selection from a resource book.
Abstract
Under Oklahoma law, crime is defined as an act or omission forbidden by law and to which a punishment is annexed upon conviction. In addition to classifying crimes as felonies, which are punishable by death or imprisonment, and misdemeanors, which are punishable by fine or confinement in a local jail, the law divides criminal statutes into four broad groups by subject matter. These groups include crimes against public justice, such as bribery, corruption, conspiracy, forgery, and perjury; crimes against persons, including assault and battery, robbery, kidnapping, attempts to kill, homicide, and libel and slander; crimes against public decency and morality, including abandonment and neglect of wife and children, adultery, gambling, indecent exposure, and certain sex offenses; and crimes against property, including arson, burglary, insurance fraud, and larceny. All persons involved in the commission of a crime, directly or indirectly, are considered equallly guilty. Both police officers and citizens may arrest individuals for committing crimes. At the time of arrest, officers generally read the Miranda rights to accused persons. Following arrest, suspects are transported to the police station for booking, fingerprinting, and detention. The State initiates criminal proceedings against a defendant by filing charges in a document known as an 'information.' Once a plea of not guilty is entered, the court sets a bond to assure the appearance of the accused for further criminal proceedings. A preliminary hearing determines if a trial is called for, and if so, a trial by jury is offered to the accused, with a few exceptions.