Bill Of Rights In The Criminal Justice System

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The Bill of Rights Introduction to Criminal Justice March 3, 2013 There are many legal rights that we have during a trial. This Bill of Rights provides certain rights to criminal defendants during trial. There are two aspects of the U.S. criminal justice system and they are the defendant is innocent until the prosecution can prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt (NOLO: Law for All, 2013). Defendants have many other rights and here they will be discussed. The right to confront witnesses is stated that in the sixth amendment “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to be confronted with the witness against him.” They are allowed to participate in the accused’s trial process. Trials cannot be conducted without him…show more content…
This means that all trials must be open to the public. The right to a public trial is generally unrestricted, which is also means that basically anyone can go and watch the proceedings. The consequence in not having this right upheld or followed would be very wrong. Prosecutors could then base their cases on absolutely nothing, without supporting facts or evidence. Child molesters would be set free because of this as well. Which just seems very unfair. If you think about everything that has happened in the media you would see that most big cases are always on the news and though not every case should be publicized it should however be open to opinions of the public. Can you imagine how it would feel to have an input on how someone would be punished? Kind of like a poll, but still having to go through the jury process. Quite strange how things work out and or…show more content…
Meaning if you don’t have a lawyer then the government shall appoint one to represent you or pay your legal expenses to find one. (Wiki, 2012) the sixth amendment allows several options such as Choice of counsel, Appointment of counsel, Conflict-free counsel, Ineffective assistance of counsel and Pro Se representation. (Wiki, 2012) the right to counsel applies all through the criminal process. State courts must provide counsel at trial to indigent defendants who face even the possibilities of incarceration-and who are charge with any type of crime not just a felony. (Siegel & Worrall, 2010) all defendants have their right to their own counsel and even represent themselves then they waive their right to have an attorney. This is a very tricky subject because if that does happen to be your choice you run the risk of not understanding some of the material that is being covered including the lingo or not knowing what full options are available to you as a
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