Court System & Admin

Catalog description

A broad analysis of the major structures and processes that underlie the American judicial system on the local, state and federal levels is the primary focus of this course. Emphasis is placed on the basic legal concepts of the judicial process, the dynamics of the criminal court process and its principal actors: judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, juries, victims and witnesses. Civil and juvenile court procedures are examined, as well as the appellate process and the role of the United States Supreme Court. Selected current reforms, issues and problems are discussed and cross-cultural comparisons are made.