The American Criminal Justice System is one of the most complex legal establishments in the world. TV shows such as 'Law and Order' make the many levels of courts and their bureaucracy seem simple to follow. Nothing could be farther from reality. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to the Criminal Justice System demystifies the complexity of the judicial establishment so that any citizen can understand how it works. Written by Robin Sax, Assistant District Attorney in Los Angeles County, this clear, jargon-free, detailed portrait of the criminal courts includes:
- How a case enters the system and follow through to adjudication
- How lawyers for the state are appointed and what they do
- The assignment of judges
- Legal Aid attorneys
- Descriptions of each category of criminal case from drunk driving, assault , theft and sex abuse to first degree murder
- What role the US Constitution may play in criminal trials
- The separate roles of the judge and jury in the process
- How appeals work
- The importance of the victims' rights in the process.
