After finishing this chapter, you should be able to:

9.1 Describe the purpose and process of criminal trials, including capital trials.

9.2 Summarize the purpose of juries, including the process by which they reach a verdict, as well as types of outcomes.

9.3 Summarize how sentencing has changed over time and the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of sentencing.

9.4 Differentiate the policy implications and costs of various sentencing alternatives in the United States.

9.5 Identify how capital cases differ from noncapital criminal cases, and explain why capital cases are more expensive than noncapital cases.

9.6 Identify the victim’s role in criminal cases over time and rights gained by victims, specifically what victim impact statements are, how they are given, and the role they play in the criminal justice system.