Aim: What is the Criminal Justice Wedding Cake?

Criminal Justice Wedding Cake

 Some cases are highly visible either because of "who" the defendant or victim is or because of the shocking nature of the crime. Then you have the "run of the mill" cases involving unfamiliar persons involved in minor cases with no notoriety.

Layer 1- The Celebrated Cases  These are cases receive:  Large scale public attention  Intense media coverage  Long drawn out trials with wealthy defendants who can pay high profile lawyers  Examples include O.J. Simpson, the Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, and Jeffrey Dahmer

Layer 2- Serious Felonies  These cases are:  Considered violent crimes committed by people usually with long criminal records against victims unknown to them.  These crimes usually result in heavy sentences and the defendant has no real reason to plea bargain.  Many will go to trial.

Layer 3- The Lesser Felonies  These cases are:  Are also felonies but are not violent felonies.  The main goal is to dispose of these cases quickly.  Usually the "perp" does not have a prior record and many times knows his victim.  Most of these defendants accept plea bargains.

Layer 4- Misdemeanors  These cases are:  90% of all cases.  They are the "garbage" of the system.  Prosecutors must speed through these cases quickly.  Trials are rare but do occur. Most cases end with fines, probation, or short jail sentences.

 The Criminal Justice Wedding Cake clearly shows how different cases receive different kinds of treatment in the justice process. Cases are treated unequally because so many cases pass through the Criminal Justice System on a daily basis.

Criminal Justice Wedding Cake