NCJ Number
92381
Date Published
Unknown
Length
92 pages
Annotation
This handbook for volunteer court monitors describes the purpose of a court watching program, the organization of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Ill.; felony and misdemeanor offenses under Illinois law; and steps in the prosecution process.
Abstract
Steps in a prosecution for a misdemeanor offense are explained: arrest, bonding, arraignment for both guilty and not guilty pleas, trial -- bench and jury, sentencing, and appeals. The outline of felony prosecution procedures covers arrest, bond and preliminary hearings, grand jury, arraignment, trial, sentencing hearing, appeals and postconviction hearings. A chart illustrates differences in the prosecution process between felonies and misdemeanors. The final chapter provides instructions for court watchers emphasizing that they must remain neutral during proceedings. The appendixes give locations of the felony and misdemeanor courts, Illinois Supreme Court Rule 61, and common abbreviations. A glossary is included.