Stages of a Criminal Trial in American Criminal Justice System

Running head: REPORT 0
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
OCTOBER 12, 2018

REPORT 1
Introduction-
The criminal procedure refers to the arbitration procedure of criminal law. Although
criminal procedure varies intensely by authority, the procedure normally starts with the
formal criminal charge with individual on hearing either being free on surety or imprisoned,
and results in sentence or release of the offender. The trial is considered as best part of
criminal procedure, but it is only one of various stages of criminal matter.
In this report, the various stages of a criminal trial in American criminal justice
system are discussed and examined.
Different stages of a criminal trial in American criminal justice system-
Voir Dire-
Offenders have right to a hearing by jury in many criminal matters, including all trials
in the state criminal system. A jury is usually empaneled just before starting of trial. The
procedure of taking interview of future judges is known as voir dire. Both the prosecuting
attorney and the defense can ask future judges questions to recognize probable prejudices or
clashes of interest. Each sideways can ask court to strike future judges for reason (Rappaport,
2015).
Opening statements
Once a panel is set, each sideways can show opening statements briefing the matter
that it means to exist.
Prosecution evidence and witnesses
The state shows the matter first. There is a burden of state to prove the guilt of
defendant, involving all factors of the charged crime or crimes, beyond the practical
suspicion. It may ask for witness and offer more evidences to meet burden of proof.
Motion for Directed Verdict
At end of case of state, an offender may move for directed verdict or a decision of
release that asks the court to rule that evidence showed by state is not sufficient to bear a
conviction.
Defense Evidence and Witnesses
The offender can show evidences and ask for witness to contradict the matter of state.
The offender is not obliged to affirm, nor can the state call them as witness due to Fifth
Amendment’s honor against self-accusation (Ruebner, 2016).
Closing Arguments
Each sideway can make ending arguments once it has ended showing evidences. The
arguments summarize the matters and recognize flaws in arguments of rivals or evidence.
Jury Charge