Criminal Justice Models Overview

The model of the criminal process that prioritizes efficiency in apprehending, convicting, and disposing of criminals. It views the criminal process as a streamlined system focused on quickly and definitively determining guilt.

The model of the criminal process that prioritizes protecting individual rights and ensuring fairness throughout the process. It views the criminal process as a series of obstacles designed to prevent wrongful convictions and protect the innocent.

The belief that justice is served by swiftly and efficiently processing criminals, even at the cost of some potential errors. This view prioritizes swift punishment to deter further crime.

The fundamental principle that the accused is assumed innocent until proven guilty by the state in a court of law.

The belief that the legal system should focus on procedural fairness and ensure all individuals have equal access to legal protections, even if it means a slower process.

The ability for the courts to review and correct errors that have occurred during earlier stages of the criminal process.

The legal right to not be arrested or detained without probable cause, meaning a reasonable belief that the person has committed a crime.

The power of police to detain individuals for questioning even if they lack probable cause for arrest, justifying it for investigative purposes.

The legal consequence of an unlawful arrest, whereby evidence obtained directly or indirectly through the illegal arrest is excluded from trial. This helps deter illegal arrests.

The right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, protected by the Fourth Amendment.

The process of questioning a suspect in custody, aimed at obtaining information and possibly a confession.

The practice of using coercive tactics during interrogation to induce a confession, often violating the suspect's rights.

The period of time a suspect is held in custody before trial, when their freedom is restricted.

The formal agreement of a defendant to plead guilty to a crime, often in exchange for leniency in sentencing.

The formal process of appealing a court decision to a higher court to review the legality of the lower court's proceedings.

A legal process of challenging a conviction after all direct appeals have been exhausted, often on grounds that the original trial was unfair or violated the defendant's rights.

The principle that new legal rules should not apply retroactively to cases that occurred before the ruling was established.

The right to have an attorney represent you in legal proceedings, ensuring equal access to justice and a fair trial.

The concept that all individuals should have equal access to legal representation, regardless of their financial means. This is crucial for ensuring a fair and just legal system.

The legal principle that requires courts to ensure that defendants have access to legal representation, often providing appointed counsel to those unable to afford it.

The process of establishing a formal legal system, particularly the rules related to crime and punishment.

The systematic process of investigating and punishing crime, involving law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

The branch of law concerned with the definition, prosecution, and punishment of crimes.

The branch of law dealing with the rules and procedures of the legal system, including how trials are conducted.

The branch of law that defines the substantive rights and duties of individuals, including the elements of crimes and their potential punishments.

The belief that the criminal law is not always effective in deterring crime or rehabilitating offenders, raising concerns about its effectiveness and moral implications.

The actions or inactions of law enforcement officials, including police officers and prosecutors, that are involved in enforcing the law.

The practice of limiting the discretionary power of law enforcement officials to prevent potential abuse and ensure fairness.

The practice of engaging in practices or behaviors that are not explicitly authorized by law, often done to achieve a desired outcome.