Full Description
A comprehensive examination of the criminal court system and the processing of defendants
From the actors in the system, including judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, through the sentencing and appeals process, Criminal Courts provides comprehensive coverage of the United States Criminal Court systems in a succinct, readable approach. It examines issues confronting the system from historical, philosophical, sociological, and psychological perspectives, and throughout there are comparisons of court ideals with what actually happens in the courts. Comprehensive coverage of the processing of offenders from when they are arrested and charged with crimes, to when they are convicted and sentenced is presented, and throughout the text, practical, real-life applications of the topics and issues give the material meaning. Included to enhance learning are: evidence-based chapter openings that provide context to the chapter's material, boxes that discuss relevant case law, chapter summaries to reiterate the chapter learning objectives, and policy-oriented critical thinking exercises based on current issues facing the system.
Contents
Table of Contents
Law: The Legal Battlefield
The Structure of American Courts
The Prosecution
The Defense
Judges
Juries
Pretrial Procedures and the Trial Process
Pretrial Procedures: Plea Bargaining
Sentencing Goals and Structures
Judicial Sentencing Options, Sentencing Disparities, and Appeals
The Juvenile Justice System: Juvenile Rights and Case Processing
Juvenile Courts: Adjudication and Disposition
Diversion, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Specialty Courts
Courts, Media, and the Litigation Explosion
Glossary
References
Cases Cited Index
Name Index
Subject Index
