Courtroom Work Group

Prosecutorial Discretion:

: Decision-making power of prosecutors, based on the wide range of choices available to them, in the handling of criminal defendants, the scheduling of cases for trial, the acceptance of negotiated pleas, and so on. The most important form of prosecutorial discretion lies in the power to charge, or not to charge, a person with an offense

Responsibilities of prosecutor

: brings charges against the defendant, gathers evidence necessary to prosecute the defendant, presents evidence at trial, and guides the testimony of prosecutorial witnesses.

Responsibilities of judge

: determines what evidence can be presented at the trial, which witnesses can testify and about what, and when there will be courtroom breaks. Rules on matters of law, weighs objections from both sides, and disciplines anyone who challenges the order of the court. Responsible for sentencing.

The Prosecutor

NOT AN EMPLOYEE OF THE COURT, BUT DOES WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT

Contempt of Court:

a charge against any violator of the judge's courtroom rules, authorizing the judge to impose a fine or term of imprisonment. (BAD)

Gag Order:

a judge's order to participants and observers at a trial that the evidence and proceedings of the court may not be published, broadcasted, or discussed publicly.

Expert Witness

can testify regarding conclusions or hypothetical questions based on scientific certainty, the cause of death, or the identity of an unknown substance that was tested.

Lay Witness

can testify to what they saw, heard, felt, smelled, or otherwise directly experienced. Lay witnesses cannot provide testimony as to the motivation of the defendant.

The Judge

central figure in trial, neutral party, primary duty of serving justice.

Client-counsel privilege:

converations between client and lawyer that remain confidential

-The Bailiff

federal courts: US Marshall, state/local: sheriff. Ensures order in courtroom, keeps accused from escaping, announces judges entrance, to call witness, supervises jury.

-The Defense Attorney Responsibilities

represent the accused and make sure the defendants' rights aren't violated during the CJ processing system.

Courtroom Work Group

the professional courtroom actors, including judges, prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, public defenders, and others who earn a living serving the court.

The Court Reporter

transcribes every word written by judge, attorneys and witnesses.