😈Criminology Unit 13 – Courts: Structure, Process, and Sentencing

Court System Overview

• Hierarchical structure consists of trial courts, appellate courts, and supreme courts at the state and federal levels
• Jurisdiction determines which court has the authority to hear a case based on factors such as geographic location, type of case, and severity of the offense
• Adversarial system pits the prosecution against the defense, with the judge acting as a neutral arbiter
  • Contrasts with the inquisitorial system used in some other countries where the judge takes a more active role in investigating the case
• Presumption of innocence places the burden of proof on the prosecution to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
• Due process ensures that the rights of the accused are protected throughout the legal proceedings
  • Includes the right to a fair trial, the right to legal representation, and the right to confront accusers
• Plea bargaining allows defendants to plead guilty to a lesser charge or receive a reduced sentence in exchange for waiving their right to a trial
  • Accounts for the majority of case resolutions in the criminal justice system

Key Players in the Courtroom

• Judge presides over the court proceedings, ensures fairness, and makes decisions on matters of law
  • In bench trials, the judge also determines the verdict
• Prosecutor represents the government and is responsible for bringing charges against the accused and presenting evidence to prove guilt
• Defense attorney represents the defendant and works to protect their rights and interests
  • May be a public defender appointed by the court or a private attorney hired by the defendant
• Jury, in jury trials, is a group of citizens selected to hear the evidence and determine the verdict based on the facts presented
• Witnesses provide testimony under oath about their knowledge of the case or events in question
• Court reporter creates a written record of the court proceedings, including testimony and decisions
• Bailiff maintains order in the courtroom and ensures the safety of all participants

Types of Courts and Jurisdiction

• Trial courts, also known as courts of original jurisdiction, are where cases are initially heard and decided
  • Include municipal courts, county courts, and district courts
• Appellate courts review decisions made by lower courts to determine if legal errors were made during the trial process
  • Intermediate appellate courts hear appeals from trial courts, while state supreme courts and the U.S. Supreme Court are the highest appellate courts in their respective systems
• Specialized courts focus on specific types of cases or defendants
  • Examples include juvenile courts, drug courts, and veterans' courts
• Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving federal laws, constitutional issues, and disputes between states or citizens of different states
• State courts have jurisdiction over cases involving state laws and most criminal and civil matters
• Concurrent jurisdiction allows some cases to be heard in either state or federal court, depending on the specific circumstances

Pre-Trial Procedures

• Arrest and booking involve taking the accused into custody and formally recording their information and charges
• Initial appearance, also known as arraignment, is when the defendant is informed of the charges against them and enters a plea
  • Pleas can be guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest)
• Bail or bond may be set to ensure the defendant's appearance at future court proceedings
  • Alternatives include release on personal recognizance or pretrial detention
• Preliminary hearing, in some cases, is held to determine if there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime
• Grand jury, in some jurisdictions, reviews evidence and decides whether to issue an indictment, formally charging the defendant with a crime
• Discovery is the process of exchanging evidence and information between the prosecution and defense before trial
• Plea bargaining negotiations may occur during the pre-trial phase to reach an agreement and avoid a trial

Trial Process and Stages

• Jury selection, or voir dire, involves questioning potential jurors to ensure a fair and impartial panel
• Opening statements allow the prosecution and defense to outline their case and preview the evidence they will present
• Presentation of evidence is when witnesses are called to testify and physical evidence is introduced
  • Direct examination is questioning by the side that called the witness, while cross-examination is questioning by the opposing side
• Closing arguments provide an opportunity for the prosecution and defense to summarize their case and persuade the jury
• Jury instructions, given by the judge, explain the relevant laws and how to apply them to the facts of the case
• Jury deliberation occurs when the jury retires to consider the evidence and reach a verdict
  • Verdicts must be unanimous in criminal cases, while some states allow non-unanimous verdicts in civil cases
• Verdict is the jury's decision on the defendant's guilt or innocence
  • If the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, a hung jury results in a mistrial, and the case may be retried

Sentencing Guidelines and Options

• Sentencing guidelines provide a framework for judges to determine appropriate punishments based on the offense and the defendant's criminal history
  • Factors considered include the severity of the crime, aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and the defendant's cooperation or remorse
• Incarceration involves confinement in a jail or prison for a specified period
  • Determinate sentences have a fixed length, while indeterminate sentences provide a range of time to be served
• Probation allows the defendant to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer and subject to certain conditions
  • Conditions may include regular check-ins, drug tests, and participation in treatment programs
• Fines and restitution require the defendant to pay money as a penalty or to compensate victims for their losses
• Community service involves performing work or services for the benefit of the community as a form of punishment and rehabilitation
• Alternative sentencing options, such as electronic monitoring, home confinement, or drug treatment programs, may be used in lieu of or in addition to traditional sentences
• Capital punishment, or the death penalty, is a controversial sentencing option reserved for the most serious crimes in some jurisdictions

Appeals and Post-Conviction Processes

• Appeals allow defendants to challenge their conviction or sentence based on alleged legal errors or violations of their rights
  • Common grounds for appeal include improper admission of evidence, ineffective assistance of counsel, and juror misconduct
• Appellate courts review the record of the trial court proceedings and legal arguments presented by the parties
  • The court may affirm the original decision, reverse it, or remand the case back to the trial court for further proceedings
• Habeas corpus petitions can be filed by defendants claiming they are being unlawfully detained or imprisoned
  • Federal habeas corpus allows state prisoners to challenge their conviction or sentence in federal court on constitutional grounds
• Clemency, including pardons and commutations, may be granted by the executive branch to reduce or eliminate a defendant's sentence
• Expungement or sealing of records can help some convicted individuals minimize the collateral consequences of their criminal record
  • Eligibility and procedures vary by jurisdiction and the nature of the offense
• Post-conviction DNA testing has led to the exoneration of some wrongfully convicted individuals
  • Innocence projects and other organizations work to investigate and litigate potential wrongful convictions

Current Issues and Reforms in the Court System

• Racial and ethnic disparities in sentencing and incarceration rates have led to calls for greater fairness and equity in the justice system
  • Initiatives include implicit bias training for court personnel and the use of risk assessment tools to reduce subjective decision-making
• Overcrowding in jails and prisons has prompted efforts to reduce incarceration through sentencing reforms and alternatives to detention
  • Examples include the increased use of diversion programs, specialty courts, and community-based sanctions
• Access to justice concerns focus on ensuring that all individuals, regardless of income or background, have meaningful access to legal representation and the courts
  • Strategies include increasing funding for public defenders, expanding legal aid services, and simplifying court processes
• Technological advancements, such as electronic filing, video conferencing, and online dispute resolution, are transforming court operations and increasing efficiency
• Restorative justice practices, which emphasize repairing harm and rebuilding relationships, are being integrated into some court systems as an alternative or complement to traditional punitive approaches
• Specialty courts, such as drug courts, mental health courts, and veterans' courts, provide targeted interventions and support for defendants with specific needs or challenges
• Efforts to improve procedural fairness aim to enhance the perceived legitimacy of the courts by ensuring that individuals are treated with respect, given a voice in the process, and provided with clear explanations of decisions