1. The Criminal Justice System
7th Grade Civics
Miss Smith
*pgs

2. The Role of the Police
Criminal Justice System- three- part system consisting of the police, courts, and corrections used to keep the peace and bring criminals to justice

3. The Police
Prevent crime and protect our rights
Arrest those who violate laws

4. Police Arrests
Probable cause- witnessing of a crime or gathering of evidence that enables a police officer to make an arrest
Arrest warrant- authorization by the court to make an arrest

5. Preliminary Hearing Held soon after the accused’s arrest
Judge must decide if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial
If not, the judge can dismiss the case
Judge decides whether to set bail

6. Grand Jury and Indictment
Before a defendant can be tried, a formal charge must be made
Grand jury hears the evidence to decide if there is enough for a trial
If they find probable cause, the defendant is indicted (formally charged with the crime)

7. Arraignment
Arraignment- when a defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty to the charge
If they plead guilty, no trial is needed

8. Acquit- act of the jury finding a defendant not guilty
Trial
Acquit- act of the jury finding a defendant not guilty

9. Sentencing
If the defendant is found guilty, the judge decides on the punishment, or sentence

10. Plea Bargaining
Plea bargain- act by the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser offense than the original charge in order to receive a lighter penalty

11. Punishing Lawbreakers
Imprisonment
Parole- Early release on the condition that they obey certain rules
Usually granted to prisoners who behave well and show signs of rehabilitation
Capital Punishment- the death penalty