The juvenile justice system is a branch of criminal law specifically designed to handle cases involving juveniles, typically individuals under 18 years old. Unlike adult criminal court, the juvenile court focuses on rehabilitating young offenders rather than punishing them.  The system aims to address juvenile delinquency by providing interventions that…

Cross-examination is a stage in court proceedings, especially in criminal trials, where the defense attorney questions the prosecution witness to challenge their testimony and credibility. It follows the direct examination, where the opposing counsel presents their witness to give direct testimony supporting their case.  During cross-examination, the attorney aims to…

Understanding Expungement in Missouri Expungement in Missouri is a legal process that allows individuals to remove certain criminal offenses from their public record, thereby offering a fresh start and an opportunity to move past a single mistake. Under Missouri law, expungement can encompass a range of offenses, from misdemeanors and…

Understanding the Basics of Missouri Charge Code The Missouri Charge Code plays an important role in the state’s criminal justice system, acting as a standardized system to categorize and identify criminal offenses. Under Missouri law, every criminal offense is associated with a specific charge code, which details the nature of…

False Confessions: The Pressure to Admit Guilt Surprisingly, false confessions are a common cause of wrongful convictions. Various factors, including intense interrogation tactics, the perceived benefits of confessing (such as a lesser sentence), and mental or physical vulnerabilities, can lead individuals to falsely admit to crimes they did not commit….

The Significance of Expert Witness Testimony in Legal Proceedings Expert witnesses possess specialized knowledge, skills, or experience in a particular field, making their expert testimony critical in both civil and criminal cases. Under the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure and relevant guidelines in federal court systems, the admissibility of expert…

Within the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution is the right to a speedy trial, emphasizing the importance of swift and timely adjudication of criminal cases. This constitutional provision mandates that defendants be afforded a trial within a reasonable time after being charged with a criminal offense. The Supreme…

In the United States criminal justice system, sentencing guidelines serve as crucial tools for judges to determine appropriate punishments for convicted individuals. These guidelines, established by the United States Sentencing Commission, provide a structured framework that considers various factors influencing sentencing outcomes. Understanding the intricate workings of sentencing guidelines is…