#criminal-justice

gavel What is the role of probation officers in the U.S. justice system?

Probation officers play a critical role in the U.S. justice system by supervising and assisting individuals who have been sentenced to probation.... Read more

policy What are the impacts of the criminal justice system on families and communities?

The criminal justice system has far-reaching impacts on families and communities. While the system is designed to maintain law and order and ensure... Read more

gavel What is the process for plea bargaining in the U.S. justice system?

Plea bargaining is a process in which a criminal defendant and a prosecutor reach a mutually acceptable resolution of a criminal case. The process... Read more

gavel What is the purpose of a grand jury?

A grand jury is a group of citizens who are selected to determine if there is enough evidence to charge a person with a crime and bring them to... Read more

gavel How are punishments determined in the U.S. justice system?

Punishments in the U.S. justice system are determined based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal... Read more

gavel How does the U.S. justice system handle cases involving the death penalty?

In the United States, the death penalty is a legal punishment for certain crimes. The process of handling cases involving the death penalty begins... Read more

gavel What is the role of the district attorney in a criminal case?

The District Attorney (DA) is a lawyer who represents the government in criminal cases. In the United States, each state has its own District... Read more

gavel What are some common defenses in criminal cases?

When charged with a criminal offense, a defendant may have several defense strategies available to them. These defenses seek to either prove the... Read more

gavel What impact did the 2021 Derek Chauvin trial have on the US criminal justice system?

The 2021 Derek Chauvin trial had a significant impact on the US criminal justice system and the ongoing fight for racial justice. The trial was... Read more

event_note On what date did the US government announce its plans to end its use of private prisons?

The US government announced its plans to end its use of private prisons on August 18, 2016. This decision was made by the Department of Justice under... Read more