Criminal Cases

A criminal case is a legal proceeding where the government, as the prosecutor, brings charges against an individual for committing a crime. The goal is to determine if the accused is guilty and, if so, to impose a punishment.

Key aspects of a criminal case:

• Initiation: Criminal cases typically begin after an arrest and formal charges are filed against the accused, often following an investigation.
• Parties Involved: The government (prosecution) represents society, while the individual accused is the defendant.
• Burden of Proof: The prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt," a high standard of evidence.
• Plea: The defendant can plead guilty or not guilty. If not guilty, the case proceeds to trial.
• Trial: Both sides present evidence and arguments to a judge or jury.
• Verdict: If found guilty, the judge determines the sentence, which may include imprisonment, fines, or other penalties.
• Purpose: Criminal cases aim to maintain order, punish wrongdoers, and deter future criminal behavior.

Examples of criminal cases:

Theft, Assault, Murder, Domestic Violence, and Drug offenses.