Reading Assignment for Section 5.2

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 5.2: Prosecution and Defense.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you will gain insight into the pivotal roles that defense attorneys and prosecutors play in criminal trials. You will explore the historical development of indigent defense in the United States and understand the key functions and powers of prosecutors. Additionally, you will examine the philosophical foundations of the juvenile justice system, tracing its evolution and impact.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 5.2

• SLO 1: Describe the role of the defense attorney in a criminal trial.
• SLO 2: Trace the history of indigent defense in the United States.
• SLO 3: Describe the role of the prosecutor in a criminal trial in the United States.
• SLO 4: Describe important areas in the criminal justice process where prosecutors have nearly unlimited discretion.
• SLO 5: Trace the philosophical underpinnings of the juvenile justice system in the United States.