CJ 207 Project Two Template
Moving Through the Criminal Justice System
Arrest: Law enforcement apprehends an individual based on probable cause.
Arraignment: The defendant appears in court to hear the charges and enter a plea (guilty, not
guilty, or no contest).
Pretrial Hearing: A court session before the trial to address issues like bail, evidence disclosure,
and plea bargains.
Bail: The court determines if the defendant can be released pending trial, often based on the
risk of flight or danger to the community.
Trial: The defendant’s case is presented to a jury or judge, with both sides presenting evidence
and arguments.
Verdict: The jury or judge decides on the defendant’s guilt or innocence.
Sentencing: If found guilty, the court imposes a punishment, including fines, probation, or
incarceration.
Appeal: The defendant can challenge the verdict or sentence based on legal errors.
Alternative Processes and Impact
Alternative Processes Description of Process Impact on Criminal Court
System
Plea Bargains defendant's lawyer plays a
crucial role in advising the
defendant on the implications
of the plea deal and negotiating
the terms with the prosecutor.
The plea deal includes a
reduced sentence for the
defendant if they admit guilt.
Plea bargaining helps the legal
system process cases faster due
to its backlog. It also ensures
the prosecutor wins, and the
defendant will likely spend less
time in crowded places.
Restorative Justice Principles an integral part of the solution,
fostering a sense of
involvement and responsibility.
Restorative justice principles
can lead to reduced recidivism
rates, thereby easing the
burden on the criminal court
system and promoting
community safety.
Function of Juries
Types of Cases How This Jury Is Selected Responsibility of This Type Of
Jury
Civil Cases Juries are randomly selected
from voter registration lists or
DMV records.
Determine the facts of the case
and decide on damages or relief
sought by the plaintiff.
Criminal Cases Similar to civil cases, but with
additional scrutiny to ensure
impartiality.
Juries in criminal cases have the
crucial responsibility of
determining the defendant’s
guilt or innocence based on the
evidence presented,
underscoring the weight of their
responsibility.
Impact of Specific Sentencing Guidelines
Why Sentencing Guidelines Exist
Sentencing guidelines exist to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency in sentencing, reduce
disparities, and, most importantly, promote public trust in the justice system, providing a sense of
reassurance to the audience.
Examples of Sentencing Guidelines
Federal Sentencing Guidelines: These guidelines provide a structured framework for judges to
determine sentences based on factors like the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal
history.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Require judges to impose a minimum prison term for certain
crimes, often criticized for being too harsh and inflexible.
Effects of Sentencing Guidelines
Federal Sentencing Guidelines: Promote uniformity but can be criticized for being overly
prescriptive.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences: This can lead to disproportionately harsh sentences and
overcrowded prisons but ensure a baseline punishment for serious crimes.
REFERENCES
Hemmens, C., Brody, D. C., & Spohn, C. (2023). Criminal courts: A contemporary perspective. SAGE
Publications, Inc.
