Steps in the Criminal Justice Process
11th Grade · Social Studies · 45 min
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Learning Objective
I can describe the steps in the criminal justice process.
- 1
The criminal case process begins when the police investigate a crime and find suspects, then gather evidence using a strict procedure.
- 2
An affidavit is a document the police must complete under oath, detailing the nature of the crime and evidence, which is reviewed by a district attorney and a grand jury or judge to determine if an indictment will be issued.
- 3
After an indictment, the defendant is informed of their rights and appears for arraignment, where they enter a plea, and bail may be set; a plea bargain might be offered to avoid trial.
