Three Rights Defendants Have in the Adult Criminal System
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Right to an Attorney: Defendants have the right to legal representation, and if they cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for them (Miranda v. Arizona).
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Right to a Fair Trial: Defendants have the right to a public trial by an impartial jury within a reasonable time frame, ensuring that their case is heard fairly and openly.
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Right to Remain Silent: Defendants have the right to refuse to testify or provide self-incriminating evidence against themselves, as protected by the Fifth Amendment.
Two Steps in the Justice System
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Arraignment: This is the step where the defendant is formally charged and asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest) to the charges against them.
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Trial: In this step, evidence is presented before a judge or jury, and witnesses may be examined and cross-examined to determine the defendant's guilt or innocence.
One Step in the Justice System with Questions
- Sentencing: I am curious about how judges determine appropriate sentences and what factors they consider, such as mitigating or aggravating circumstances, prior convictions, and the nature of the crime.