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YOUR RIGHTS AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

NCJ Number
48700
Author(s)
ANON
Date Published
1977
Length
20 pages
Annotation
THIS HANDBOOK, WRITTEN IN SIMPLE, DIRECT STYLE, DESCRIBES THE RIGHTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHEN STOPPED BY POLICE, ARRESTED, CONFRONTED WITH A SEARCH WARRANT, ARRAIGNED, AND TRIED. LEGAL PROCEDURE IS EXPLAINED.
Abstract
THE BOOKLET IS DESIGNED FOR THE PERSON WITH LITTLE LEGAL KNOWLEDGE. IT WARNS OF THE RIGHT TO KEEP SILENT UNTIL ONE OBTAINS A LAWYER, EXPLAINS WHAT THE POLICE MAY AND MAY NOT DO DURING QUESTIONING AND ARREST, AND GIVES SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR THE ACCUSED PERSON TO FOLLOW. IT DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF WITNESSES, WARNS AGAINST CARRYING DOPE IN AREAS THE POLICE MAY SEARCH WITHOUT A WARRANT, DETAILS PROCEDURES A SUSPECT AND FAMILY OR FRIENDS SHOULD OBSERVE DURING A LEGAL SEARCH, AND EXPLAINS PROCEDURES THAT COULD BE ENCOUNTERED AT THE POLICE STATION. BOOKING, QUESTIONING, ARRAIGNMENT, RELEASE ON ONE'S OWN RECOGNIZANCE, BAIL REDUCTION, AND WAIVER OF A RIGHT TO A SPEEDY TRIAL ARE ALL EXPLAINED. THE LAWYER-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP IS DISCUSSED. TACTICS WHICH MAY BE USED TO PRESSURE A DEFENDANT INTO A DEAL ARE LISTED. THE PROS AND CONS OF ACCEPTING A DEAL ARE DISCUSSED. THE IMPORTANCE OF A COURT REPORTER TO RECORD CONVERSATIONS BEFORE THE JUDGE ABOUT A PLEA NEGOTIATION IS EMPHASIZED. THE RIGHTS OF THE DEFENDANT DURING THIS CONFERENCE ARE ALSO MENTIONED. TRIAL PROCEDURES ARE NOT COVERED. THE HANDBOOK IS DESIGNED TO HELP THOSE WITH LIMITED EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES. (GLR)