| Capital Punishment or the Death Penalty |
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| In 2003, 65 inmates were executed by way of capital punishment or the death penalty. Capital punishment is punishment by death for capital crimes. This type of punishment is available in 38 states. Capital punishment is available for certain federal offenses.
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| CONFESSIONS & MIRANDA WARNINGS |
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| The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution requires that no person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself. The self-incrimination privilege of the Fifth Amendment means that a person cannot be compelled to give a testimonial communication to a police officer.
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| Plea Agreements Generally |
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| When a defendant has been charged with a crime, it is his decision whether to enter a guilty or not guilty plea to the offense. Often times, a defendant enters a guilty plea based upon a plea agreement. Many prosecutors offer defendants plea agreements or bargains in order to ascertain a guilty plea from the defendant. More... |
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| RIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMS |
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| Being a victim of a crime is a frightening experience. Until fairly recently, crime victims had no rights and did not have access to any federal, state, or local services to help them through the experience. In most states, there are now many services and resources that are available to crime victims.
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| Appeals |
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| Usually a defendant is entitled to one appeal as of right after a conviction. The defendant must be informed of his right to appeal. On appeal, the defendant may raise claims that mistakes were made during his trial. The defendant is required to follow the proper state or federal procedure when filing an appeal. Sometimes, the defendant is required to request leave or permission to file an appeal. The defendant is then required to file notice of the appeal with the court, file a brief, and submit the trial court record for review. More... |
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