Justice Discussion Board

Justice Discussion Board

Classmate Response #1

Pg. 163

1. The most important consequence I believe is the defendant’s rights as it pertains to a speedy trail. Delaying a trail not only places a burden on the defendant if they are unable to make bail and are forced to remain in jail until said court date but also on the jail system. Most jail systems are struggling with overcapacity and due to such, results in high costs of operation which is being funded by taxpayers. What I find to be the least important is the erosion of public confidence. I believe as a citizen of this country and obligated to all the rights and privileges offered here, that the public must be made aware that delays are inevitable to ensure to rights of all affected in the case are not being violated. If repeated trips to a court house becomes necessary, that it is to ensure a well-rounded case is presented and the rights of everyone is being complied with and one should not lose confidence in the judicial process.
2. I believe there is a danger for prosecutors to illegitimately seek continuances, prosecutors are looking for convictions and if a case has not been properly investigated or evidence lacking I believe they would attempt to delay trail until they can better their chances of conviction.

Pg. 193

1. I firmly believe that state attorneys general should be given authority to supervise locally elected district attorneys. I believe at the local level the uncertainty of election and reelection campaigns provides the opportunities for outside influence. I do not think their would be in altering of the criminal justice system. It would merely provide a safeguard and oversight to ensure fair and impartial justice is served at the local level.
2. The authority given to assistant district attorneys regarding case dismissal should be uniformed with the office. Policy should be enacted where senior level members of the DA’s Office oversight and the ultimate decision to dispose of a case. Assistant DA’s should make a recommendation for disposal and senior level administrators make the determination.