NCJ Number
150153
Date Published
1994
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This manual provides information to media personnel who cover the U.S. Attorney's Office of the District of Minnesota, including the operation of the Federal court system, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the Department of Justice media policy.
Abstract
Information on the U.S. court system addresses its history, structure, and the jurisdictions of district courts, circuit courts of appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. A history of the U.S. Department of Justice is followed by a history of the Office of the United States Attorney. An overview of the structure of the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota, focuses on the Criminal Division, Civil Division, Financial Litigation Unit, and forfeiture. A description of how a criminal case proceeds in Federal court encompasses investigation, grand jury, charging, court appearance, pretrial motions, plea agreements, jury selection, opening statements, witnesses and evidence, closing arguments, jury instructions, verdict, sentencing, and appeals. Another section explains how a civil case proceeds in Federal court. An explanation of media policy for the U.S. Attorney's Office addresses information that can and cannot be released, as well as how to contact the U.S. attorney. The manual lists judges and magistrate judges of the U.S. district court, U.S. attorneys for the District of Minnesota, the staff of the U.S. Attorney's Office of the District of Minnesota, and Federal Office telephone numbers. Appended relevant legislation and a glossary