Exam 8: Pretrial Procedures and the Criminal Trial

The______ is a kind of "road map" that describes the destination each attorney is trying to reach.

A majority of criminal convictions in state courts are the result of plea bargaining.

Circumstantial evidence is not admissible in court.

In a typical case, the prosecutor only has one goal after charging the defendant: _________.

What is the most important factor in deciding whether to prosecute?

List five screening factors that prosecutors use to determine which cases to pursue.

Prosecutors may turn to plea bargaining to obtain a conviction in a questionable case.

At the____ , the defendant is informed of the charges and must respond by pleading guilty or not guilty.

What type of trial is conducted without a jury, in which a judge makes the determination of the defendant's guilt or innocence?

A judicial order that commands a correctional official to bring a prisoner before a federal court so that the court can hear the person's claim that he or she is being held illegally is:

_______is the process through which prosecutors effect an overall reduction in the number of persons prosecuted.

Witnesses are not protected by the Fifth Amendment.

Case 8-2 Ruth was arrested for burglary. If Ruth is found guilty, she can be sentenced to 5 years in a state prison. The prosecutors are offering her a 3-year prison sentence if she pleads guilty to the charges. Ruth is being represented by a public defender who informs Ruth she must decide if she will take the plea bargain or decide to go to trial for the charge of burglary. -Ruth's attorney believes that it is very important to get a jury that is free from any biases that would affect their willingness to listen to the facts of the case impartially. During which proceeding would Ruth's attorney be able to question prospective jurors?

In _______, the Supreme Court held that jurors may not be excluded based on their race.

What is the formal decision rendered by the jury?

______is Latin for "I will not contest it."

Case 8-1 Andrew was arrested and charged with second degree murder. His family was able to gather enough money to retain a well-respected criminal defense attorney. His attorney believes that it is very important to get Andrew out of jail on bail so he can assist him with his defense. The community prefers that he remain in custody. -At which step leading up to the criminal trial will the judge make the decision to set bail or order Andrew to remain in jail awaiting his trial?

The plea bargain allows the defendant a measure of control over his or her fate.

Identify and discuss the basic constitutional protections enjoyed by criminal defendants in the United States.

An indictment is the formal charge against the accused issued by the prosecutor after a preliminary hearing.