The Courtroom and the Courthouse

During the course of a criminal investigation and prosecution, victims and witnesses will come into contact with many individuals that are part of the criminal justice system. Many times there are vast communication techniques, styles and reasons behind communication. Besides the victims and witnesses, there is much communication within the courts and with law enforcement.

Key Players

Many players are in the courtroom. Most tend to believe that the judge is the key player in any case; however with all parties working together a case can come to a conclusion that is just for all. Other key players in a courtroom range from the judge to the district attorney, which is also known as the prosecution. The defense is made up of either a private attorney or public defender. If the defendant is found to be indigent by the court, and on the sidelines in the courtroom is a court reporter, bailiff and in some cases a jury.

Lawyers

Once a case goes into court there has to be a prosecutor who is prosecuting the case and a defendant, in which the alleged charge(s) are against. The defendant has a right to have a private attorney or public defender, in some cases the defendant will elect to represent him or herself.

Communication

Communication within the courtroom occurs through all participants or key players in the court. To begin with criminal law enforcement arrests a defendant in the cause of the said charge. Once the defendant is arrested they can sometimes bond out until his or her court appearance or they can stay in jail and wait for the next court appearance. Records of arrest or detainment are often sent to the judge and prosecuting attorney(s). Inside the courtroom, during a trial, if elected by the defense, all players will still communicate with one another in some form or fashion.

Defense

Once a trial is in effect the prosecution and defense will share and goes over the evidence that will be presented to the jury or judge. This is so that both sides know what evidence is going to be used to either prove the defenses innocence or guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Both the prosecution and defense can ask to speak with the judge on a side bar to discuss certain issues that may arise during the case and have the judge rule on them before they are heard by the court. Each trial and court case is different. In some events a defense attorney and the prosecution may go over the case at hand and negotiate a plea in acceptance of a certain sentence, if agreed upon by the defendant then the plea is sent to the judge who will decide if the plea is acceptable or not.

Police

Other key players in the court room include the bailiff or security who is in charge of maintaining order and decorum in the courtroom, removing disruptive people,