Final answer:
In criminal trials, an impartial jury decides a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Plea bargaining often resolves cases, with defendants pleading to lesser charges for reduced sentences, but waiving appeal rights. Appeals are possible unless waived, and civil compensation relies on 'balance of probabilities'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Criminal Prosecution and Plea Bargaining
In a criminal trial, after the selection of an impartial jury, the evidence is presented and the jury must decide whether the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, most cases are resolved through plea bargaining before reaching this stage. A plea bargain involves the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter punishment, thereby waiving the right to an appeal. In criminal trials, appeals can be made by either party unless waived, and compensation may be sought through civil actions based on the balance of probabilities, a lower standard of proof than that of criminal cases. The jury, or the judge in a bench trial, weighs the evidence to determine guilt or innocence.
Appellate courts may review cases after a trial if a guilty verdict is issued or if procedural errors are alleged. Jurisdictions differ, but often appeals proceed to a state supreme court or a special appellate court. The right to appeal and the process of jury selection are crucial components in the American legal system ensuring a fair trial process for the accused.