Briefly list and describe the elements of the criminal justice process

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Indictments or filings of information is the formal written charges entered into the court and start the criminal justice process.
• The jury is selected through a voir dire process.
• Opening statements are the initial presentation made by counsel in a criminal trial regarding material things that will be introduced during the trial. Such statements do not constitute evidence, and conjecture is generally not allowed.
• Presentation of evidence begins when the first witness is called and ends when the prosecution rests. It involves direct and cross-examination and allows for rebuttals and rejoinders.
• Closing arguments are the concluding statement of each party's counsel which reiterates the important arguments and evidence most favorable to their case. Occurring after the presentment of evidence, closing arguments may not contain new information.
• Instructions to the jury are provided by the judge and arms the jury with the information necessary to evaluate the unlawfulness of the behavior in question and the culpability of the accused.
• Deliberation occurs after closing arguments and the jury is transformed from a passive observer to an active participant to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.
• Sentencing occurs after the accused is found guilty and is delivered by the judge based on sentencing guidelines.