01:202:201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Jury Trial, Sixth Amendment To The United States Constitution, Child Custody
9 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Chapter 8: the courtroom work group and the criminal trial. Trial: the examination in court of the issues of fact and relevant law in a case for the purpose of convicting or acquitting the defendant. Courtroom work group: the professional courtroom actors, including judges, prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, public defenders. The judge: an elected or appointed public official who presides over a court of law. The trial judge has the primary duty of ensuring justice. Holds the ultimate authority and weighs objections from both sides. Decides on the admissibility of evidence and sentences offenders. The prosecuting attorney: an attorney whose official duty is to conduct criminal proceedings on behalf of the state or the people against those accused of having committed criminal offenses. Stat prosecutors are elected and generally serve four-year terms, with the possibility of continuing reelection. Prosecutors may serve as quasi-legal advisor to local police.
