What Happens If I Am Arrested?
After you have been arrested, there are certain timeframes and procedures that the prosecution and the court must follow. Usually, the police will advise you of your Miranda rights (the …
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What Are The Miranda Rights?
Also known as the Miranda Rule or the Miranda Warning, when you are arrested in the U.S.A, police officers must warn you that you have the right to remain silent, that any thing you …
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Where Do The Miranda Rights Come From?
The Miranda rights come from the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the 5th Amendment rule against self incrimination. In 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the historic case of …
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Sentencing Guidelines: Fair Sentences or a Denial of Trial by Jury?
In the 1980s, it became apparent to those in the U.S. government that there were wide sentencing disparities in the United States federal court system. Defendants who were convicted of very similar crimes were receiving wildly different sentences. Accordingly, a movement began to develop federal sentencing guidelines. In addition to providing equitable sentences around the …
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Prosecutorial Misconduct Leading to Wrongful Convictions
Prosecutors often are under a great deal of pressure to quickly convict criminals, particularly where high-profile or violent crimes have occurred. Combined with the pressures of an elected office, overwhelming caseloads, and an honest desire to seek justice, prosecutors sometimes act unethically with regard to the crimes that they are prosecuting. As a result of prosecutorial …
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Defendant's Waiver of Indictment
This form is used by a criminal defendant to waive his or her right to prosecution "by indictment" and to give consent to be prosecuted "by …