Reference no: EM133046121

1. Roles in the Judicial System

All members assembled in the courtroom await one person in particular. All rise when that person enters. This person's physical place in the courtroom is usually at a higher elevation than all assembled, and sometimes that place can be rather ornate. The person is spoken to with deference. One would think that this person is the most powerful in the room.

You consider the main roles in the judicial system and the power and responsibility that those roles have.

1. Analyze the evolving power of the judge in the criminal justice system

2. Analyze the roles and relationships of the judge, prosecutor, police, defense, and jury in the judicial system

3. Compare the power of varied judicial system roles domestically and internationally

4. Evaluate criminal justice scenarios for judicial role characteristics in practice.

2. Discussion: The Judge

The judge now commands everyone to be seated. The trial may proceed.

But how that trial proceeds may have been decided before anyone entered the room. Was a plea deal reached? Is the judge bound by sentencing guidelines? How much power does the judge really have these days? If the judge's role has changed, how does it differ from bygone eras or original visions of judicial power? In this Discussion, you consider similar questions.

Despite changes in who holds the most power, explain why the judge receives the most deference.

In your response, be sure to incorporate historical influence, institutional practices, and/or political factors to support your position.