1. The Criminal Justice System
CJ in the USA:
The Criminal Justice System
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2. Upon completion of this Module, the student will be able to:
Identify the multitude of professions, skill sets, and roles within the framework of the criminal justice system
Explain the fundamentals of “search and seizure” law as allowed by the United States Constitution
Explain the duties and responsibilities of citizens, first responders, technical experts, and legal experts in a criminal investigation
Identify the steps in a criminal trial
Demonstrate the importance of both the power of observation and the ability to communicate clearly
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Introduction
What is the criminal justice system?
A system of interdependent components that depend on interaction
The interconnectivity among these important connections form a true system
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Ask Yourself
As you read the crime story:
Consider the actions of each character
Consider the consequences that would result from the failure of any of the characters to do their jobs
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5. Dispatch to the Crime Scene
Key Elements:
Nell Deane’s call to 911
Emergency dispatch center processes an in- progress call for service
Dispatchers relay information from the call to the patrol unit
Officers Birkley and Lopez arrive at the scene
The exigent circumstances in this situation
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At the Scene
Key Elements:
Anne Schneider arrives and conducts a walkthrough with officers
Sergeant Adams arrives and Lopez and Birkley share concise, accurate account
Detectives arrive to question Nell, Anne, and Hannah Smith (a witness)
Neighborhood canvass begins
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What Would Happen If
Nell Deane had not called 911?
The patrol officers had not effectively identified the criminal activity, potential suspects, and evidence?
The officers had not properly secured the crime scene?
The neighbors had not fully answered the officers’ questions?
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The Story Unfolds
Key Elements:
The Crime Scene Technicians arrive to search the scene and process evidence
Keen observation
Police go to Henry Schneider’s apartment but Schneider refuses to talk to them
Probable cause
Additional officers requested for surveillance
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9. The Judicial Process Begins
Key Elements:
Police present case against Schneider to District Attorney Marshfield
Search warrant
Arrest warrant
Charges are first-degree murder and breaking and entering
Evidence supports charges
Schneider is arrested and advised of his rights.
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The Arraignment
Key Elements:
Schneider and his lawyer, Vincent Alonzo, appear at his arraignment before a judge
Suspect formally advised of charges
Pleads “not guilty”
Bail is set
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What Would Happen If
The crime scene technicians failed to properly collect the physical evidence?
The police had forced their way into Schneider’s home? Was he required to talk to them?
Schneider did not have an attorney?
The suspect had not been advised of his rights under the law?
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The Trial Process
Key Elements:
The trial begins
Jury selection
Opening statements are presented
Marshfield represents prosecution
Alonzo represents defense
The prosecution has the burden of proving the guilt of the defendant
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13. Witness Testimony and Evidence
Key Elements:
Witnesses are called and examined.
Cross-examination
Physical, scientific, and circumstantial evidence is presented.
Closing statements made by both attorneys.
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Jury Deliberations
Key Elements:
The trial conclusion
Judge Caitlin Morris instructs the jury on the laws that apply to this case
Jury deliberations find Schneider
Not guilty of murder and breaking and entering
Guilty of voluntary manslaughter
Schneider sentenced to 15 years in prison.
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What Would Happen If
A summoned person failed to appear for jury duty?
The defendant did not testify under oath?
You had to decide how long Schneider’s sentence should be?
Trial by jury was eliminated from the U.S. justice system?
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16. Sentencing of Defendant
Key Elements:
Department of Corrections evaluates the convicted person and determines prison classification
Schneider placed in medium-security facility
Eligible for parole 6 years later
Second parole hearing releases Schneider after incarcerated for 8 years
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Post-Incarceration
Key Elements:
Post incarceration, Schneider is assigned
a parole officer
a program to follow
Schneider is released to a halfway house
Social services help convicts re-enter society successfully and are key to preventing recidivism with both adults and juveniles
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What Would Happen If
Schneider had not been given a structured program to follow?
Social services, such as halfway houses and counseling groups, were not a part of the criminal justice system?
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19. The Criminal Justice System
911 Dispatch
Police & Emergency Services
Crime Scene Techs / Investigators
Judge
and Jury
Prosecutor / Defense Attorney
District Attorney
Probation / Parole Officers
Corrections – Prison / Parole Board
Service Oriented Organizations
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Summary
The various components of the criminal justice system are interdependent.
If one component fails, the jobs of the other components become more difficult or even impossible.
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