The Legal Process 9/23/14

Today in large groups we learned about the legal process.  We learned about everything from arrests, to pre trials, to actual trials.  In order to become part of the legal process, you must become arrested.  As Mr. Stewart stated, "... if you are not arrested then you are not part of the legal system.."  After someone is arrested, they are usually charged with something.  Authorities will present evidence to a grand jury and they will determine the indictment .  Next, there is an arraignment.  At the arraignment, the indictment is read,  the defendant enters the plea and the judge considers bail.  The next part of the legal system we learned about were pre trials.  At pre trials, there are opening statements from lawyers.  Both sides then lay out their cases and evidence.  The prosecution then presents witnesses and they are cross-examined.  During the trial, rebuttal evidence is shown and witnesses can respond.  The closing arguments are then made and both lawyers try to sum up their cases.  The judge then gives the jury instructions to make a decision.  Overall, the lesson today was extremely interesting and taught the class the basics of our justice system.