Imagine that you have been asked to talk to a local high school history class about the history of the criminal court system. You will need to explain to the class how the American criminal court system came into existence, its evolution, and how it operates today.
Choose either your local federal court jurisdiction or your state court jurisdiction.
Assessment Deliverable
Create an 8- to 10-slide presentation to use 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 over time.
Explain the meaning of the dual court system.
Explain the history of jury trials and how they have evolved over time.
Explain the difference between a bench trial and 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.
Presentation: The American Criminal Court System
Slide 1: Title Slide
The American Criminal Court System: A Historical Overview
Slide 2: Early Colonial Courts
- Colonial courts were influenced by English common law.
- They handled a variety of cases, including criminal offenses.
- Often, local officials, such as magistrates or justices of the peace, presided over these courts.
Presentation: The American Criminal Court System
Slide 1: Title Slide
The American Criminal Court System: A Historical Overview
Slide 2: Early Colonial Courts
- Colonial courts were influenced by English common law.
- They handled a variety of cases, including criminal offenses.
- Often, local officials, such as magistrates or justices of the peace, presided over these courts.
Slide 3: The Development of a Formal Court System
- Constitutional Era: The U.S. Constitution established a federal court system with the Supreme Court at the top.
- State Court Systems: Each state established its own court system, often modeled after the federal system.
- Dual Court System: This system consists of federal and state courts, each with its own jurisdiction.
Slide 4: The Dual Court System
- Federal Courts: Handle cases involving federal laws, treaties, and the Constitution.
- District Courts: Trial courts of general jurisdiction.
- Circuit Courts of Appeal: Review decisions of district courts.
- Supreme Court: The highest court in the land, reviews cases from lower courts and interprets the Constitution.
- State Courts: Handle cases involving state laws.
- Trial Courts: Courts of general jurisdiction that hear both criminal and civil cases.
- Appellate Courts: Review decisions of trial courts.
- Supreme Court: The highest court in the state.
Slide 5: Jury Trials
- Historical Context: Jury trials have a long history, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome.
- Purpose: To ensure that a defendant is judged by a jury of their peers.
- Process: A jury is selected from a pool of potential jurors, and the trial proceeds with opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, and jury deliberation.
Slide 6: Bench Trials
- Judge as Trier of Fact: In a bench trial, the judge decides both the facts and the law.
- Advantages: Faster and less expensive than jury trials.
- Disadvantages: May be less impartial than a jury.
[Your Local Court Structure]
- Local Trial Courts: Discuss the specific trial courts in your jurisdiction, such as district courts, municipal courts, or county courts.
- Appellate Courts: Explain the hierarchy of appellate courts in your state or federal district.
Slide 7: The Jury Selection Process
- Jury Pool: A pool of potential jurors is selected from voter registration lists or other sources.
- Voir Dire: The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their qualifications and impartiality.
- Challenges: Attorneys may challenge potential jurors for cause or peremptory challenges.
Slide 8: The Role of the Jury
- Fact-Finding: The jury listens to the evidence and determines the facts of the case.
- Applying the Law: The judge instructs the jury on the relevant legal principles.
- Reaching a Verdict: The jury deliberates and reaches a verdict of guilty or not guilty.
Additional Tips for Your Presentation:
- Use visual aids like diagrams and charts to simplify complex concepts.
- Practice your presentation to ensure smooth delivery and timing.
- Engage your audience with real-world examples and anecdotes.
- Be prepared to answer questions from the students.
- Consider using technology, such as PowerPoint or Prezi, to create a dynamic presentation.
By following these guidelines and tailoring your presentation to your specific audience, you can effectively convey the complexities of the American criminal court system.
