America's Courts and the Criminal Justice System.
Imagine that you have been asked to talk to a local high school history class about the history of the criminal court system. You must explain to the class how the American criminal court system began, its evolution, and how it operates today.
Preparation
Review Weeks 1 and 2 readings from America's Courts and the Criminal Justice System.
Choose either your local federal court jurisdiction or your state court jurisdiction.
Assessment Deliverable
Create an 8- to 10-slide presentation as an aide as you speak to the local high school students. In your presentation:
Explain the history of the criminal court system and how it has evolved.
Explain the meaning of the dual court system.
Explain the history of jury trials and how they have evolved.
Explain the difference between a bench trial and a jury trial and how each works within the system.
Explain your local court structure.
Explain how a jury works in your local jurisdiction.
Explain the history of the appellate court structure.
Explain the appellate court structure within your local state or federal district.
Include a title slide, a reference slide, and detailed speaker notes of at least 50 words per slide.
Cite at least 2 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar references.
Format your citations and references according to APA guidelines.
Sample Solution
Presentation Outline: A Journey Through the American Criminal Court System
Slide 1: Title Slide
Title: A Journey Through the American Criminal Court System Subtitle: From Colonial Courts to Modern Justice Your Name Date
Slide 2: The Birth of American Courts
- Colonial Courts: A brief overview of colonial court systems, influenced by English common law.
- Constitutional Framework: The establishment of federal and state courts, including the Supreme Court, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
Slide 3: The Dual Court System
- Federal Courts: Jurisdiction over federal laws, treaties, and the Constitution.
- State Courts: Jurisdiction over state laws and local ordinances.
- Concurrent Jurisdiction: Cases that can be heard in both federal and state courts.
Slide 4: The Evolution of Jury Trials
- Historical Significance: The role of jury trials in safeguarding individual rights and ensuring fair trials.
- Modern Jury Trials: The process of jury selection, the role of the jury in determining guilt or innocence, and the impact of jury nullification.
Full Answer Section
Slide 5: Bench Trials vs. Jury Trials
- Bench Trials: Cases heard by a judge without a jury.
- Jury Trials: Cases heard by a jury of peers.
- Advantages and Disadvantages: A comparison of the two trial types.
Slide 6: [Your Local Court Jurisdiction] Court Structure
- [Your Local Court Jurisdiction] Supreme Court: The highest court in the state/federal district.
- [Your Local Court Jurisdiction] Appellate Courts: Intermediate appellate courts.
- [Your Local Court Jurisdiction] Trial Courts: Courts of general jurisdiction (e.g., district courts) and limited jurisdiction (e.g., municipal courts).
Slide 7: How Juries Work in [Your Local Jurisdiction]
- Jury Selection: The process of selecting a fair and impartial jury.
- Jury Deliberations: The jury's role in weighing evidence and reaching a verdict.
- Jury Instructions: The judge's instructions to the jury regarding the law.
Slide 8: The Appellate Court Structure
- State Appellate Courts: The role of state supreme courts and intermediate appellate courts in reviewing lower court decisions.
- Federal Appellate Courts: The U.S. Courts of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Slide 9: Conclusion
- Recap of Key Points: A brief summary of the main points discussed in the presentation.
- The Importance of the Judicial System: The role of the courts in upholding justice and protecting individual rights.
Slide 10: References
- Reference 1: [Cite your first reference in APA format]
- Reference 2: [Cite your second reference in APA format]
Speaker Notes
- Slide 2: Delve into the historical context of colonial courts, highlighting the influence of English common law. Explain how the Constitution established a federal court system with the Supreme Court at its apex.
- Slide 3: Discuss the division of power between federal and state courts, providing examples of cases that fall under each jurisdiction.
- Slide 4: Trace the evolution of jury trials from ancient times to the modern era. Explain the concept of jury nullification and its potential impact on verdicts.
- [Continue with detailed speaker notes for each slide, providing additional context and insights.]
Remember to tailor your presentation to your specific local court jurisdiction and the interests of your high school audience. Use visuals, such as diagrams and images, to enhance understanding and engagement.