NCJ Number
108720
Date Published
1987
Length
80 pages
Annotation
This handbook provides an explanation of the legal system, its processes and its key actors.
Abstract
The text discusses the basis of the adversarial system, delineates the distinction between civil and criminal cases, and explains the State and Federal court systems and their structure (trial, intermediate appeals, and highest courts. It describes the roles of lawyers and judges; outlines procedures for selecting and disciplining judges; and examines courts of special jurisdiction (family, probate, claims, and small claims courts), along with administrative tribunals. A description of pretrial procedures in both civil and criminal cases precedes review of trials covering officers of the courts, the jury, witnesses, evidence, motions, conferences, evidence presentation, rebuttals, closing arguments, jury instructions, mistrials, jury deliberations, decisions, sentencing, and judgment. The text concludes with a look at the right of appeal, appeal procedures, and free press/fair trial issues. A glossary of legal terms and sources of additional information are included. Figures.