CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Discuss in detail the three-tiered court structure the United States. Describe its' various components.

The United States? there are more than 51 different interpretations of this basic model. Each of the 50 states has its own rules and procedures. The federal courts also have their own rules? which are occasionally interpreted differently in different parts of the country. However? for the most part? they are all very similar. (Fuller 2005)

The system is generally a three-tiered one. A case is typically brought at the lowest level or court? usually a "District" or "Trial" court. Once this case is heard and a decision or "judgment" has been made? both the defendant and the plaintiff have the opportunity to appeal the decision to an "Appellate Court" or "Court of Appeals." In other words? if they do not like what the judge and/or jury decided? they can complain to the next higher level the court system? and try to get the decision reversed. However they can only appeal if they believe the judge made a legal error? not just because they are disappointed the outcome.

At the Appellate Court level? there is usually a panel of three judges who hear arguments on either side. Judges at the Appellate Court can usually only decide matters of law. In general? all of the facts the trial record are assumed to be true. The Appellate Court has three options: it can decide that the judge was wrong and change the judgment? it can decide the judge was wrong and send the case back for the judge to change (also called a "remand")? or it can agree with or "affirm" the judgment of the lower court. (Hanes and Sharon 2005)

Identify some pertinent issues correctional administrators must resolve in order for correctional institutions to be safe and secure for both employees and inmates.

As a major factor in American life? the corrections system can no longer survive as a closed system but instead needs to be able to anticipate change and respond rapidly to fluctuating resources? demographics and demands. The bi-polar prison of the past has been transformed into modern-day? and complex tri-polar prison consisting of inmates? officers? and administration now drawn together the interplay of new generation custodial exigencies. Moreover? the concerns of both internal employees and external communities must also be accommodated. (Fuller 2005)

There is an emergent and important awareness of the organizational development ...