The Judicial System
What Courts Do and Crime
Stages of Criminal
Justice
Protections for the Accused
Miranda Rights
“ You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and
will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an
attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed
for you.”

Created in 1966 as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court case of
Miranda v. Arizona.

Intended to protect the suspect’s 5th Amendment right to
refuse to answer self-incriminating questions.
Investigation

What happens?

Police present evidence of probable cause to judge

Judge issues search warrant

Police conduct search

Police seize evidence & talk to witnesses

Police present evidence to prosecutor
Arrest

What happens?

Police present evidence of probable cause to judge

Judge issues arrest warrant

Suspect is read Miranda rights

Suspect is arrested

Suspect is booked
Pretrial

What happens?

Suspect makes initial appearance in court

Suspect is released on bail

Grand jury hears case

Suspect may receive plea bargain

Suspect is arraigned
Trial

What happens?

Jurors selected randomly & sent jury summons

Jurors may be challenged “for cause”

Lawyers issue preemptory challenges of juror selection

Prosecution & Defense present evidence and call
witnesses

Jurors deliberate and Jury foreman announces verdict
Sentencing & Appeals

What happens?

Judge requests pre-sentence report

Judge chooses to apply indeterminate sentence

Defendant may request appeal

Appeals Court may deny appeal
Corrections

What happens?

Guilty is sent to prison

Prisoner may apply for parole

Parole board hears testimony & examines
evidence

Prisoner may be released
The Case of Dwight Dexter
Assignment