Essay On The Criminal Court System

In criminal court the government is responsible for filing against a person who has committed a crime. This person is known as a defendant and the government must prove the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Some crimes that a person can be charged with can include murder, assault, robbery, burglary, and DUI etc. The key players in the criminal court system are the U.S. Attorney, the grand jury, and the judge. The U.S. Attorney is known as the prosecutor who represents the United States in the trial. The grand jury is responsible for reviewing all evidence that is presented and to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not. The judge is responsible for making the final decision on the defendant’s punishment if they are found guilty by the grand jury. If the defendant is found guilty the punishment can include fines and some time in a county jail or prison.

In civil court a person or business is responsible for filing against another person due to a dispute between them. This person is known as the plaintiff and the defendant must prove their innocence by "the preponderance of the evidence." Some civil cases that a person can file for are divorce, child support, eviction, debts, or a car accident. The key players in the civil court system are the plaintiff, the defendant, and the judge. The

The responsibility of the Supreme Court is to make a decision on important cases including ones that deal with statutory and constitutional law. They also provide consistency and clarity for laws for the lower courts. The final decision from the Supreme Court is also the last resort for someone wanting to appeal their conviction. A Supreme Court includes up to nine justices who make the final decision on the case. Once a justice is appointed they will remain in that position for life, unlike the other court systems where there is a variety of selection