Victims and Crime Evaluation

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Victims and Crime Evaluation University of Phoenix Criminal Law CJA354 Victims and Crime Evaluation Paper “Order in the court, order in the court” the judge exclaims as he throws down his gavel. The courtroom is in total chaos and the judge and bailiff are trying to regain control. The jury just handed down its verdict, the defendant is guilty on all charges. The prosecutor is celebrating his victory, the defense attorney is trying to maintain control over his or her client, and the jurors are in conversation amongst themselves. The victim begins sobbing uncontrollably and yells out “justice has been served,” and the defendant is angry screaming profanities. The court room resembles a poorly directed play, rather than part of the sacred institution known as the criminal justice system. Every one of these individuals plays a role in this catastrophic play; however the leading roles belong to the prosecutor, the defense attorney, the victim, and the defendant. The plot of the play thickens, sentencing is about to take place, how will each of these leading actors define his or her role, why is his or her character so important to the plot, and how will each of their goals be depicted? Can the prosecutor convince the audience that he or she truly represents the public and that his or her main goal and responsibility is to seek justice for society? In order to capture the audience’s attention he or she will use the enormous discretion afforded to him or her. This discretion allows him or her to perform his or her job satisfactorily. In order for the prosecutor to obtain his or her goal in seeking justice for society he or she must study his or her lines carefully and understand all that goes into this role. When trying to achieve his or her goal they
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