Key Components of the Courtroom Workgroup copy
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Feb 20, 2024
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Key Components of the Courtroom Workgroup
Domonique Foggie
Department of Criminal Justice, East Gateway Community College
CJT: Introduction to Criminal Justice
Elizabeth Zoccole
February 11, 2024
Introduction:
In the criminal justice aspect, the courtroom team is a combination of varied individuals, each necessary in ensuring social justice (Rudes & Portillo, 2012). The focus of this report is to present the main elements of courtroom workgroup and their functions and duties within the process of adjudication.
Judge:
The judge is the dominant character in the courtroom group work, responsible for making
sure the process runs fairly and as per the law. They are the ones who issue warrants, make probable cause determinations, conduct hearings and trials, rule on motions, and ensure the proceedings are conducted fairly and in accordance with the law (
Metcalfe, 2016). Their main function is to sit in judgment, expound and implement the law, decide on evidentiary matters, and instruct the jury. The judge is equally empowered to pass sentences upon conviction and to ensure fair and impartial justice provided.
Prosecuting Attorney:
The prosecuting attorneys are in charge of criminal cases within that state; they give evidence, call witnesses, and speak in favor of the defendant’s guilt (
Torres, 2022). Additionally referred to as prosecutor, the prosecuting attorney is on the side of the government in criminal cases. What they do is present evidence, examine witnesses, and try to prove that the defendant is guilty. Prosecutors team up with law enforcement agencies in the development of prosecution of suspects through which justice is sought for the entire community. They have the right to decide whether to bring charges, make plea bargains or to obtain convictions at trial.
Defense Attorney:
The duty of the defense attorney is to represent the defendant and to make sure that the latter’s constitutional rights are protected at every step of the legal proceedings. Their function entails providing legal advice, carrying out investigations, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting evidence to discredit the prosecutor’s case. Besides, defense attorneys also plea bargain, present arguments for leniency at sentencing, and “innocent until proven guilty” presumption is upheld.
Defendant:
The defendant is the person charged with the commission of a crime and being prosecuted in a court of law. Part of their duty is to take part in legal proceedings (Chen et al., 2023); to formulate the way they are to defend themselves and enjoy their rights, including such as the rights to self-incrimination and the right to confront witnesses. A defendant has the right to
testify on their own behalf but there is no obligation to do so. Jury:
The jury is a panel of unbiased laypersons appointed to hear evidence presented in court and determine the defendant's guilt or innocence. Jurors listen to witness testifying, examine evidence, and deliberate as a group to reach a verdict based on the facts and guidelines which are
given to them by the judge. Conclusion:
This report presented courtroom workgroup that are composed of numerous individuals who play roles in the functioning of justice system of criminals. Each component performs unique role in upholding the rule of law that protects individual rights, and make sure that justice
is served within the courtroom.
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References
Chen, E. Y., Chung, E., & Sands, E. (2023). Courtroom workgroup dynamics and implementation of Three Strikes reform.
Law & Policy
.
Metcalfe, C. (2016). The role of courtroom workgroups in felony case dispositions: An analysis of workgroup familiarity and similarity.
Law & Society Review
,
50
(3), 637-673.
Rudes, D. S., & Portillo, S. (2012). Roles and power within federal problem solving courtroom workgroups.
Law & Policy
,
34
(4), 402-427.
Torres, L. C. (2022).
An Examination of the Effects of Workgroup Characteristics on Criminal Case Processing and Case Outcomes
(Doctoral dissertation, University of Missouri-Saint
Louis).