CRMJ 370 Criminal Courts and Justice
Federal, state and local criminal court systems are reviewed and analyzed through the cycle of the criminal justice system. This course examines the Constitutional principles of police powers and a suspect's civil liberties. The roles of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, juries, defendants and victims are explored. Defendants' plea options are reviewed and the concept of mandatory sentencing is discussed. The result of the acquittals, plea bargains, guilty verdicts and post-trial sentencing options are examined. For guilty defendants, the option of incarceration, community corrections, parole and appeals form the basis of investigation and review. In addition, youthful offenders and their path in the juvenile justice system is described and critically reviewed.