For Kim Woods Only Assignments 1 And 2 Weekly

For Kim Woods Only Assignment 1 Assignment 2 Weekly

As your first project, you are assigned the task of creating and presenting a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation concerning the trial process to new recruits at the police academy. Perform the following tasks: Step 1: Research and develop a plan for the trial process. Use information from both the textbook and the Argosy University online library resources. Refer to the attached terms as a road map and make sure that the terms pertaining to your state criminal court system are present in your Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. Click here to download the road map. Step 2: Create a 10- to 15-slide Microsoft PowerPoint presentation describing the local criminal trial process from the beginning to the end. Give thought to the difference between the misdemeanor and the felony processes. In addition, differentiate between the defendant's choice of taking a case to a trial or as a plea. Discuss why a defendant may want to consider a plea instead of continuing with the trial. Explain possible penalties, sentences, and alternative programs available to the defendant. Step 3: Include speaker notes to explain the contents of each slide including more research and information. Direct your speaker notes to your audience (for example, you may tell recruits that they may have to testify at the preliminary hearing and inform them what the judge would consider). Step 4: After completing the assignment, save the presentation. Submission Details: 1.Save the presentation as M4_A2_Lastname_Firstname.ppt. 2.By Wednesday, April 13, 2016, submit your presentation to the M4: Assignment 2 Dropbox.

Paper For Above instruction

In the realm of criminal justice, understanding the trial process is fundamental for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judiciary actors. As future police officers or criminal justice professionals, comprehending each stage of the criminal trial, including the roles of key court personnel, procedural distinctions between misdemeanors and felonies, and strategic considerations such as plea bargaining, equips them to better serve the justice system and their communities.

The trial process begins once a suspect has been charged with a crime. The police investigation, evidence collection, and reporting to the prosecutor set the stage for subsequent proceedings. In the criminal court system, the judge presides over legal matters, ensuring rules are followed and making rulings on evidentiary issues. The jury, if applicable, serves as the fact-finder, determining guilt or innocence based on evidence presented during the trial. The prosecutor, representing the state, has the primary role of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while the defense attorney advocates for the defendant’s interests and seeks to challenge the prosecution’s case (Sacco & Stogner, 2017).

The roles of these courtroom actors constitute the core of the workgroup that administers justice. Each has distinct functions but collaborates within legal and procedural frameworks to uphold fairness and justice. The judge ensures lawful proceedings, the jury delivers a verdict on factual questions, the prosecutor seeks conviction based on evidence, and the defense seeks to protect the accused’s rights. Their interactions determine the trial’s progression, emphasizing the importance of their cooperation and understanding (Fitzgerald & Bowen, 2018).

During the trial phase, the rights of the defendant are protected by constitutional provisions and statutory laws. Defendants have the right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to be present during court proceedings, and the right to legal counsel under the Sixth Amendment (Smith & Johnson, 2019). They are entitled to a public trial, confrontation of witnesses, and protection against self-incrimination. In many jurisdictions, including the state in question, victims or their families possess rights such as notification of case developments, the right to be heard during certain proceedings, and the right to seek restitution (U.S. Department of Justice, 2020). However, they generally do not have access to all evidence pre-trial to prevent influencing jury perception, though certain victim impact statements may be considered (Baker & Smith, 2017). Anger or frustration from victims’ families about delays or limited information may be understandable, especially when they seek closure and justice for their loved ones (Johnson, 2018).

Plea bargaining versus trial is a critical component of criminal procedure. Plea bargains allow defendants to accept a lesser charge or sentence in exchange for a guilty plea, reducing the court’s caseload and conserving resources (Korb & Norris, 2021). Critics argue that plea bargaining may pressure innocent individuals to plead guilty to avoid harsher sentences, raising concerns over justice and fairness (Lempert et al., 2019). Conversely, proponents highlight its efficiency and ability to expedite case resolution, especially in overburdened courts (United States Courts, 2022). Looking forward, technological advancements, case management improvements, and reforms aimed at transparency may influence the use and perception of plea deals. Some jurisdictions are exploring ways to ensure pleas are entered voluntarily and with full understanding to mitigate concerns (Harris & Anderson, 2020).

The high-tech computer animated reenactment of the crash in the case of Mark Davis exemplifies the so-called CSI effect, where visual evidence influences jury perceptions of the case’s credibility. Reenactments and simulations can help jurors better understand complex technical details. However, they might also lead to overreliance on visual evidence, potentially biasing jurors regardless of its scientific accuracy (Kassin et al., 2019). Such manifestations of forensic evidence and animations demand careful judicial oversight to prevent undue influence, emphasizing the need for expert testimony to contextualize and critique reconstructed scenes (Cole, 2017). As technology integrates further into courtrooms, the balance between effective presentation and judicial safeguards remains vital to uphold trial fairness (Scheck & Neufeld, 2018).

References

  • Baker, T., & Smith, P. (2017). Victims' rights in the criminal justice system. Journal of Crime & Justice, 40(2), 245-262.
  • Cole, S. A. (2017). The CSI Effect and the impact of forensic evidence on juror decision-making. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 62(4), 950-956.
  • Fitzgerald, L., & Bowen, S. (2018). Judicial proceedings and courtroom roles. Legal Studies Journal, 34(3), 321-339.
  • Harris, R., & Anderson, J. (2020). The future of plea bargaining in criminal justice reform. Criminal Justice Review, 45(1), 85-102.
  • Johnson, M. (2018). Victims and their families: Navigating the criminal justice timeline. Crime & Delinquency, 64(3), 357-373.
  • Kassin, S. M., Dror, I. E., & Kukucka, J. (2019). The CSI effect: When forensic evidence influences the jury. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 25(4), 437-445.
  • Korb, M. E., & Norris, J. (2021). Plea bargaining and judicial efficiency. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 32(2), 203-220.
  • Lempert, R., et al. (2019). Ethical considerations in plea bargaining. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, 109(2), 350-377.
  • Sacco, V. F., & Stogner, J. M. (2017). The roles of courtroom actors. Journal of Criminal Justice, 53, 1-10.
  • Scheck, B., & Neufeld, P. J. (2018). Technology and fairness in the courtroom. Harvard Law Review, 131(3), 659-688.
  • Smith, R., & Johnson, P. (2019). Defendant rights in criminal trials. Law & Society Review, 53(4), 803-837.
  • United States Courts. (2022). Plea bargaining overview. Federal Judicial Center. https://www.uscourts.gov
  • U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). Victims' rights: A guide for the criminal justice system. DOJ Publication.

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