Reading Assignment for Section 1.4

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 1.4: The Criminal Justice Process.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll become familiar with key terms related to criminal case processing. You’ll learn about the legal requirements for a lawful arrest, the tasks involved in the booking process, and the different types of charging documents. Additionally, you’ll explore the purpose of an initial appearance, the roles of the preliminary hearing and grand jury, and the tasks involved in an arraignment.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 1.4

• SLO 1: Describe the sequence of events in the criminal justice process from crime reporting to arraignment, and explain the purpose of each stage.
• SLO 2: Explain the legal concepts of probable cause and reasonable force, and analyze how they guide law enforcement actions during arrests.
• SLO 3: Distinguish between preliminary hearings and grand jury proceedings and evaluate their roles in determining whether a case proceeds to trial.
• SLO 4: Identify the components of the booking process and assess the significance of accurate suspect identification and documentation.
• SLO 5: Analyze the purpose and implications of the arraignment stage, including the role of plea bargains and the requirements for a valid guilty plea.