GA Studies8B.U4L12Quiz.Spring24 Answers
Select the correct step in Georgia's Criminal Justice System (hint: the steps are listed in order).
Remember: this is an OPEN NOTE Quiz!
(14 points)
Pretrial
1. Arrest - There is enough evidence that someone has committed a crime serious enough to warrant being taken into custody (police detention).
2. Booking - Law enforcement officers make an official arrest report and hold the suspect in the local jail.
3. Initial Appearance - The suspect (a person thought to be guilty of a crime) appears before a magistrate court judge to have the charges brought against them explained and to determine if they are to be released on bail (the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security given for the prisoner's appearance at a later hearing).
4. Preliminary Hearing - The magistrate judge determines if there was a crime committed and if there is probable cause (a reasonable ground for supposing that a charge is well-founded) that the suspect was involved with the crime.
5. Grand Jury Indictment - A group of citizens, called a grand jury, examines the evidence in order to determine if the suspect should be charged with a crime. If they do decide there is enough evidence, they issue what is called an indictment (a formal charge of a serious crime).
6. Arraignment - Superior court judge reads charges and accused pleads guilty or not guilty
7. Plea Bargaining - The suspect has the opportunity to plead guilty. If they plead guilty to the charge, the judge will sentence the individual and the case does not go to trial. The suspect also has the choice of plea bargaining and admitting guilt to a lesser offense. If the prosecutor agrees to the plea bargain, the suspect is sentenced for the lesser offense and the case will also not go to trial.
Trial
1. Jury Selection - Twelve jurors and at least one alternate are selected to hear the case
2. Opening Statements - Once the trial begins, both attorneys are given the opportunity to speak directly to the jury to explain what they hope to prove in the case.
3. Presentation of Evidence - During the case, witnesses are called to the stand to give testimony. The prosecutor and defense attorney have the opportunity to cross-examine the other side’s witnesses.
4. Closing Statements - After all of the witnesses have had a chance to speak, both attorneys present their final arguments in the case.
5. Jury deliberation & verdict - After the closing arguments, the jury is asked to discuss the case among themselves to determine if they think the defendant is guilty or not. Once the jury makes their decision, they notify the judge. If the verdict is not guilty, the defendant is released.
6. Sentencing - If the jury finds the defendant guilty, the judge sentences the defendant, telling him/her the amount of time he/she will spend in prison and/or how much they owe in fines.
7. Appeal - If the defendant maintains his or her innocence or if there were mistakes made by the legal team or court in the case, the defendant appeal to the court of Appeals for review the case. If the court overturns the verdict, the case goes back to the superior court for a new trial.
The correct step in Georgia's Criminal Justice System is:
6. Sentencing - If the jury finds the defendant guilty, the judge sentences the defendant, telling him/her the amount of time he/she will spend in prison and/or how much they owe in fines.