Trial Process Overview

What is the purpose of the screening process in the pretrial stages?

• To eliminate all persons arrested

• To eliminate about half of all persons arrested

• To eliminate none of the persons arrested

• To eliminate only guilty persons

According to the 'Funneling Effect' diagram, how many felonies are typically committed out of 1,000 hypothetical felony crimes?

• A) 500

• B) 1,000

• C) 100

• D) 50

Fill in the blank: In the 'Funneling Effect' diagram, out of 1,000 felonies committed, _____ are reported to the police (estimate).

• 500

• 300

• 700

• 200

According to the 'Funneling Effect' diagram, how many people are typically incarcerated out of 1,000 hypothetical felony crimes?

• A) 100

• B) 50

• C) 30

• D) 15

What happens after the charges have been filed against a suspect?

• The suspect is released.

• The suspect is brought before a lower-court judge for an initial appearance.

• The suspect is sentenced immediately.

• The suspect is given a public defender.

In the case of a misdemeanor or an ordinance violation, what type of trial may be held?

• A) Summary trial

• B) Preliminary hearing

• C) Jury trial

• D) None of the above.

In the case of a felony, what is held to determine whether the defendant should be released or held for a preliminary hearing?

• Summary trial

• Hearing

• Jury trial

• None of the above

What is the definition of 'Probable Cause'?

• A) A standard of proof that requires evidence sufficient to make a reasonable person believe that, more likely than not, the proposed action is justified.

• B) A legal term for determining guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

• C) A method of investigation used by detectives.

• D) A type of evidence used in court.

In the pretrial process, if the suspect is to be held for a preliminary hearing, what may be set by the judge?

• Fine

• Bail

• Sentence

• Parole

What is a bail bond or bail?

• A fine imposed by the court

• An incentive to appear

• A punishment for the defendant

• A reward for the suspect