Full Answer Section

Trial: During the trial, the prosecution presents evidence against the defendant, while the defense presents evidence in their favor. The jury then deliberates and reaches a verdict.

Verdict: If the jury finds the defendant guilty, they will move to the sentencing phase. If the jury finds the defendant not guilty, they are released from custody.

Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will determine the appropriate sentence, which may include probation, jail time, or prison time.

Appeal: The defendant may appeal their conviction or sentence to a higher court.

Alternative Processes and Their Impact

Plea Bargains: Plea bargains are negotiated agreements between the prosecution and the defense, in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. Plea bargains can help to reduce the workload of the courts and resolve cases more quickly.

Restorative Justice Principles: Restorative justice principles focus on repairing the harm caused by crime, rather than simply punishing the offender. Restorative justice programs often involve the victim, offender, and community in a process of reconciliation and healing.

The Function of Juries

Civil Cases:

a) In civil cases, juries are typically selected through a process of voir dire, in which potential jurors are questioned to ensure that they are impartial and unbiased.

b) The responsibility of a civil jury is to determine whether the plaintiff (the person who brought the lawsuit) has proven their case by a preponderance of the evidence.

Criminal Cases:

a) In criminal cases, juries are also selected through a process of voir dire.

b) The responsibility of a criminal jury is to determine whether the prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the crime(s) charged.

By understanding these processes and procedures, individuals can make more informed decisions about their involvement in the criminal justice system.