After reading this chapter you will be able to:

• Describe the court process as an adversarial process and explain the role of defense attorneys, prosecuting attorneys, judges, and the police in the process.
• Discuss the importance and value of a vigorous defense for defendants.
• Explain the various ways in which police misconduct and errors can lead to miscarriages of justice.
• Define the role of lay and expert witnesses in court and discuss the controversies associated with using experts in court.
• Identify the steps or stages of the trial process and discuss the two main questions addressed in a trial.
• Discuss the purpose of the cross-examination and evaluate the tactics commonly used by defense attorneys when cross-examining investigator witnesses.
• Identify the guidelines regarding testimony in court.