Final answer:
Prior to attending court, an individual should meet with their attorney to strategize and prepare for their case. This includes discussing charges, evidence, potential plea bargains, and the roles of prosecution and defense during a trial. The attorney's role is fundamental in guiding the accused through the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Explanation:
Meet with your attorney to go over the case prior to going to court. Generally, in the criminal justice system, individuals charged with serious crimes are represented by counsels to ensure their rights are protected throughout the judicial process, as encapsulated in the principle that 'Criminal Justice: Theory Meets Practice'. An accused individual and their attorney will review charges, discuss the right to counsel, contemplate a plea bargain, and strategize for the trial including the admissibility of evidence, the preparation of witnesses, opening and closing arguments, and jury instruction. Pre-trial preparations are critical because they allow the defense to prepare the justices for oral argument and set the stage for what happens during the juror's deliberation process.
Should the case proceed to trial without an agreed plea bargain, jury selection is undertaken to ensure a fair and unbiased jury is empaneled. Throughout the trial, the roles of the prosecution and defense are clearly defined, with the jury typically responsible for determining guilt and the judge deciding on penalties, except in cases where juries also decide penalties. If an appeal is necessary post-trial, it is the task of the solicitor general to determine the government's position and argue before the higher courts, with the U.S. Supreme Court being the final arbiter.
The process reflects the depth and complexity of the legal system, emphasizing the importance of having a capable attorney to navigate through the phases of the criminal justice system, decisions on evidence, court arguments, the jury's role, and ultimately, the processes involved in appeals.