Reference no: EM132160900

The Courts

Week Five - Six

This is your study guide for week five - six. The topic is on the role of the court system in the American criminal justice.

Please complete the reading, study, and written responses to the study questions. Submit the complete study questions to Moodle no later than 10 pm on Thursday, November 1st.

Quiz

You will have a quiz covering the topics from this study guide. The quiz will be a total of 20 questions (matching, T/F, fill in, and multiple choice are possible).

Complete the learning quiz by 10 pm on Sunday, November 4th.

Topic: The Criminal Courts: Structure and Process

Reading

Chapter 7 textbook

Learning Objectives

Understand the similarities and differences between federal, state, and local courts.

Comprehend the functions and responsibilities of the various courts at each level.

Know the roles and responsibilities of the major court participants, including judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys.

Understand the nature and function of the initial appearance.

Know the reasons behind pretrial release, alternatives to monetary bail, and justifications for the use of preventive detention.

Know the major factors considered by prosecutors in selecting or dismissing charges.

Distinguish among the types of pleas, understand the nature of plea bargaining, and elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of bargained justice.

Study Questions & Assignments

1. Imagine a friend has asked you to describe the structure and function of the American court system. Provide your explanation making sure to clearly distinguish the different levels of the system and primary processes.

2. Describe the options for courts during the pretrial phase of adjudication.

3. What are the considerations a prosecutor makes in selecting or dismissing charges?

Topic: The Trial

Reading

Chapter 8 textbook

Learning Objectives

Identify the nature and functions of the various pretrial motions.

Know the procedures and constitutional issues surrounding a defendant's right to a speedy, public, and fair trial.

Grasp the advantages and disadvantages of both bench and jury trials.

Understand the nature of the contemporary jury system.

Recognize the basic procedural steps of a trial and understand the importance of the concepts of innocence and reasonable doubt.

Explain the dynamics of jury deliberations and describe how verdicts are reached.

Study Questions and Assignments

1. Explain the procedures and constitutional issues surrounding a defendant's right to a speedy, public, and fair trial.

2. Describe the difference between a bench and jury trial.

3. Explain the basic procedural steps of a trial and understand the importance of the concepts of innocence and reasonable doubt.