Criminology

Criminology

Part # 1

The constitution of the United States gives suspected criminals rights in their trial processes. To start with, it guarantees an impartial process in all the court hearings, which ensures the accused citizens remain innocent before being declared guilty by the court of laws. The constitution also plays a vital role in protecting citizens in their process of answering questions, which are posed against them to avoid harassment and discrimination (Perry, 2009). It also ensures fair proceedingsand compensation in case of death threats by the government. The trial process protection of the accused fromconfiscation of their property by the government. The accused have the right of seeking a legal counsel as well as calling a witness in his or her defense. Concisely, the insights I had from the reading is that the accused are entitled to constitutional rights, to enhance their legal standing since they are innocent till proved guilty by the court of law.

Part # 2

The jury process should enhance fairness at all cost trough ensuring that the defendants and plaintiffs are treated fairly. Irrespective of the assumptions that the jury process is always a fair according to the provisions of the constitution, there are some issues, which mitigate the fairness principle among in the entire process (Harlan, 2010).To start with, most of jury systems are becoming increasingly partial, which is against their principle of maintaining impartiality. There are also numerous cases of conflict of interest since some judges get involved in cases, which are against their relatives thus leading to partisan judgments. The shortcomings of the system failure to adhere to the principles and code of ethics of the justice systems. This fails to enhance fairness especially in the process ensuring the substantiating the burden of truth. In addition, the issue of conflict of interests makes judges to favor their relatives when they are involved in cases against them (Harlan, 2010).

References

Harlan, J. M. (2010). The Trial Process. New York: Peter Lang.

Perry, B. A. (2009). “The Supremes:” An introduction to the US Supreme Court Justice . New York: Peter Lang