The Arizona State Court System

Jurisdiction State and Local Laws federal system allows states to deal with crime in a variety of ways Civil cases: between two parties Criminal cases: between an individual and the state

State Court Systems Minor Courts civil cases dealing with less than $2,500 criminal cases with jail sentence less than 1 year justice of the peace Superior Court Civil suits over $2,500 Felony cases Juvenile Courts In Re Gault

Criminal Justice System State Police Forces highway patrol units provide special services for local police departments Appellate Courts new evidence has been found the original trial was unfair state law is unconstitutional State Supreme Court Chooses whether or not to hear a case interprets state’s constitution and laws highest appellate court in the state

Procedures in Criminal Cases Arrest Misdemeanor: minor offence Felony: serious crime Lawyers Prosecution (district attorney) brings charges against the defendant Defense Attorney public defenders- government paid lawyer Preliminary Hearing the state files charges against the suspect judge decides on bail

Procedures in Criminal Cases Arraignment defendant comes before a judge who reads the charges defendant pleads guilt or not guilty Indictment by Grand Jury determines if there is sufficient evidence to hold the person Trial bench trial- judge hears case and renders a decision plea bargaining- plead guilty for a lesser charges (no trial)

Procedures in Criminal Cases Sentencing Fine Jail Restitution: pay back the victim Probation Combination of above mandatory sentencing: required terms of imprisonment for certain types of crimes