Class Lectures

We covered the court process from arrest through sentencing. The are many steps in the court process. We began at the beginning, looking at arrest statistics, charging documents, the initial appearance, and bail. Then we moved on to statutes of limitations, speedy trial rights, and double jeopardy. We learned about the need to show probable cause that a crime was committed, and the defendant committed it in both preliminary hearings and grand juries, and arraignment on formal charges. Then before getting to trial, we discussed discovery and suppressing evidence, plea bargaining, and venue changes. We finished our lecture going step by step through the trial process from opening statements through the presentation of evidence, closing arguments, jury charge, deliberations, and verdict. We completed our lecture with a discussion on sentencing, its purposes, types, and its process. You have almost met outcome two: Explain the criminal trial process from first contact through appeals. Next we will finish meeting outcome two. The lecture will focus on the appeals and habeas corpus proceedings.