Learning Objectives

1. Know the purpose of a preliminary hearing.

2. Appreciate the difference between indictment states, information states, and modified indictment states.

3. Understand the purpose of the grand jury and grand jury procedures.

4. Know what happens at an arraignment.

5. Understand the pretrial motions that may be filed by a defense attorney.

6. Know the prohibition against double jeopardy.

7. Understand the law on mistrials.

8. Know the collateral estoppel doctrine.

9. Understand the right to a speedy trial.

10. Know the law on change of venue.

11. Understand a defendant’s right to discover exculpatory information.

12. Know the purpose of a motion to suppress.

13. Appreciate the right to a jury trial.

14. Understand the twelve-member jury requirement.

15. Appreciate the fair cross-section requirement of the jury venire.

16. Understand voir dire and peremptory challenges, and challenges for cause.

17. Know the significance of Batson v. Kentucky.

18. Understand when a judge is disqualified from presiding over a case.

19. Appreciate the right to a public trial.

20. Know the stages of a trial and appreciate the importance of opening statements, cross-examination, burden of proof, reasonable doubt, and closing arguments.

21. Appreciate the Confrontation Clause, hearsay, and compulsory process.

22. Understand jury deliberations and the requirement of jury unanimity.

23. Understand jury nullification.

24. Know the law of plea bargaining and know the requirements for pleading guilty.