NCJ Number
88176
Date Published
1982
Length
109 pages
Annotation
Major papers included in the Australian seminar on the criminal trial focus on reforming the criminal trial process, criticisms of the criminal trial, and the expanding role of the judge.
Abstract
The subject of criminal committals is raised in a number of comments. Several oral contributions refer to ways in which greater efficiency can be introduced by 'hand-up briefs' and the system of paper committals. One participant pointed out that many accused persons exhaust all available funds upon the costs of committal proceedings, leaving limited money available for the more important criminal trial. A number of participants examined the problem of undue pretrial publicity which can often attend an arrest or committal proceedings. Presentations on pretrial plea bargaining, a subject often ignored in Australia or denied by officials, suggest that plea bargaining might be much more common than is generally acknowledged. Participants also discuss jury selection, proof of confessions, evidence, business records in the criminal trial, unsworn statements, and order of closing speeches at trial. Virtually every contributor to the seminar made proposals for improvement of current laws and practices. Some papers provide reference notes.