Criminal Procedure


Definition of Criminal Procedure

Criminal procedure is the set of laws and rules that control how criminals are brought to justice in the American legal system. These laws include rules for the initial investigation all the way to the sentencing of criminals. There are both federal and state laws involved in criminal procedure. Some criminal procedure laws are included in the constitution such as the right to a trial by a jury of peers.



Criminal Procedure Explained

Criminal procedure exists to make sure that the process of bringing criminals to justice is done in a fair and organized way that is consistent with the principles of the country. The accused have many rights in American criminal procedure. Some of these rights include the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, protection from cruel and unusual punishment, protection from unlawful searches and seizures, etc. Althouh many laws regarding criminal procedure are the same from state to state, some do vary.





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