“This is a well written, well arranged, and a very informative book. It will definitely be an asset to students taking this course.” —Emil Moldovan, M.P.A., Radford University Written by three nationally recognized experts in the field, Criminal Courts: A Contemporary Perspective explores all conventional topics (court structure, courtroom actors, and the trial and appeals process) as well as others seldom covered, such as specialty courts and the goals and functions of the law. This comprehensive and accessible approach allows instructors to cover all the “standard” material and offers the option to add selections they consider interesting and relevant to their particular course. This text will provide students with an understanding of the foundational concepts and enable them to hold a detailed discussion about the criminal courts system and the participants involved. Packed with contemporary examples and new pedagogical tools, the Third Edition has been thoroughly revised with the most up-to-date content and resources to give students a more comprehensive understanding of the criminal courts system. Table Of Contents Preface Acknowledgments SECTION I: The Purpose and Structure of American Courts CHAPTER 1: Introduction: Law and the Judicial Function Why Study Courts? What Is Law? The Code of Hammurabi Two Opposing Perspectives: Consus and Conflict What Is the Relationship of Law to Justice? The Rule of Law Justice, the Law, and Packer's Models of Criminal Justice Judicial Functions How Judges "Make Law" Development of the Common-Law System The Role of Courts in the Criminal Justice System CHAPTER 2: Sources of Law Sources of Law Sources of Individual Rights Due Process and the 14th Amendment Standard of Review Incorporation of the Bill of Rights Into the 14th Amendment CHAPTER 3: Types of Law Types of Law: Criminal and Civil CHAPTER 4: Court Organization and Structure Jurisdiction The Structure and Jurisdiction of U.S. Courts A Brief Historical Overview Federal Courts State Courts Court Actors Overview of the Criminal Process CHAPTER 5: Specialized Courts Problem-Solving Courts Drug Treatment Courts Domestic Violence Courts Other Problem-Solving Courts Juvenile Courts SECTION II: Courtroom Actors and the Courtroom Workgroup CHAPTER 6: Prosecutors Historical Evolution of the American Prosecutor The Federal Prosecutor State Prosecutors The Prosecutor's Duties Assistant Prosecutors at Work The Expansion of the Prosecutor's Discretionary Power Prosecutorial Ethics and Misconduct Community Prosecution CHAPTER 7: Defense Attorneys Defense Attorney's Role in the Criminal Justice System Historical Development of the Right to Counsel Indigent Defense Systems Private Versus Appointed Counsel: Which Is Better? Effective Assistance of Counsel Ethics and Lawyer-Client Relationships Realities of Being a Defense Attorney CHAPTER 8: Judges Roles and Duties of Judges Judicial Selection Judicial Socialization and Development Judicial Accountability and Judicial Independence Judicial Performance Evaluations Accountability for Judicial Misconduct CHAPTER 9: Criminal Defendants and Crime Victims Criminal Defendants Victims and the Criminal Courts CHAPTER 10: The Jury History of Jury Trials The Role of the Jury Limits on the Right to Trial by Jury Jury Size and Unanimity Requirements The Selection of Jurors Reforms to the Jury System Jury Nullification SECTION III: Court Processes CHAPTER 11: Pretrial Procedures Arrest Booking The Charging Decision Information Indictment Initial Appearance Arraignment Discovery Pretrial Motions Plea Bargaining Jury Selection CHAPTER 12: The Criminal Trial Opening Statements The Presentation of Evidence Calling Witnesses Evidence and Rules of Evidence Closing Arguments Instructing the Jury Jury Deliberations and Verdict CHAPTER 13: Sentencing The Goals of Sentencing The Judge's Options at Sentencing How Do Judges Decide? Modeling the Sentencing Process CHAPTER 14: The Appellate Process Appealing to a Higher Court The Appellate Courts The "Right" to Appeal The Writ of Habeas Corpus How Do Appellate Courts Decide? Glossary References/Future Reading Case Index General Index About the Authors