What is the purpose of a suppression hearing? When is a suppression hearing usually held? What occurs at a suppression hearing?

What will be an ideal response?


The suppression hearing considers whether specific items of evidence will be admissible at trial. Most involve searches or confessions. Guilt is not considered. The defense usually requests a suppression hearing between the end of the preliminary hearing and the beginning of the trial. Both sides file legal briefs arguing their side of the issues prior to the hearing. Witnesses testify at the suppression hearing about the circumstances surrounding the seizure of the evidence or the interrogation that resulted in the confession. The defense usually calls the police officers involved. If the defendant testifies, the statements made at the hearing will not be admissible at trial. Other witnesses who observed the events in question may also be called. The attorneys make legal arguments to the judge after the witnesses have testified in an attempt to persuade him/her to rule in their favor. The judge normally takes the matter under submission; a written decision is given to the attorneys before trial begins. Many states provide for pre-trial appeals of the judge's decision on a suppression motion.

Criminal Justice

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Which goal of sentencing do you support? Why? What's wrong with the other goals?

What will be an ideal response?

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The most lenient disposition in a juvenile case is ______.

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Criminal Justice