Learning Objectives

After finishing this chapter, you should be able to:

8.1 Explain the roles and responsibilities of prosecutors and defense attorneys.

8.2 Summarize the similarities and differences in the responsibilities of federal- and state-level prosecutors.

8.3 Identify how and why defense lawyers are able to defend a person who may be guilty.

8.4 Describe the positive and negative aspects of plea bargaining.

8.5 Summarize the considerations used by the court to determine if bail is appropriate.

8.6 Identify the procedures related to discovery, motions, and scheduling undertaken before trial.

8.7 Explain how jurors are selected and why the role of the jury is essential to the courts.

8.8 Summarize issues of diversity among defendants, jurors, and those sentenced for crimes.