People
Who represents the accused and conducts interviews and investigations on the incident?
The defense attorney
What must a judge do to come to a fair ruling?
Consider ALL points and sides of the case
What might we call a failure from a defense attorney?
Inadequate representation
TRUE OR FALSE? The DA is able to provide "speedy trials".
FALSE. There is severe court congestion as the court system handles roughly 100 million new cases annually.
Who represents the state/federal government, decides what cases go to trial, and determines what the accused is charged with?
The prosecutor
What are some ways a defense attorney does right by their client?
Discuss matters with the prosecutor, negotiate a plea bargain, interview additional witnesses, conduct a private investigation on the case
This act by prosecutors is what makes sentencing guidelines and mandatory maximums/minimums so essential.
Overcharging
Prosecutors are highly criticized for doing this to justice.
Bargaining it away.
Who rules on the appropriateness of conduct in the courtroom and decides on cases and sentencing?
The judge
What helps a prosecutor come to a fair sentencing?
Thorough cross-examination of witnesses and evidence
What are some ways a judge's bias can interfere with justice? Give one example.
Allowance or dismissal of certain evidence or witnesses, leniency in questioning, over- or under-sentencing, shoddy jury selection.
What % of defendants end up admitting guilt through a plea deal?
Roughly 90%
Prosecutors often work closely with these individuals to create investigative reports and give legal advice.
Law enforcement/the police
What factors impact the ways a prosecutor might approach a case? Give at least one.
Systemic factors, case factors, disposition factors, political factors
A prosecutor overcharges a defendant, forcing them to take a plea bargain. Why is this such a big issue?
The defendant must now admit guilt to the charges, no matter how extreme. Their guilty plea will also go onto their records.
The influx of plea bargaining to get through overloaded dockets is often referred to as...
Assembly-line justice