Criminal Justice | Learning Resources | Section 5.3

Criminal Justice: An Overview of the System by Adam J. McKee

Section 5.3: Pretrial Process


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Learning Resources


Learning Objectives
5.3(a) List and describe the steps typically taken by both the prosecution and defense in the pretrial phase.
5.3(b) Explain the concept of pretrial release and the circumstances under which it may be denied.
5.3(c) Discuss the practice of plea bargaining and why it is a necessary part of the criminal justice process.
5.3(d) Describe the jury selection process.
5.3(e) Compare and contrast the workings of a grand jury with a petit (trial) jury.
5.3(f) List and describe the steps typically taken in processing a case through juvenile court.

Slide Presentations

For the Classroom:  INTRO-Section-5-3-presentation

For Printing: INTRO-Section-5-3-print

Present from the web:

Key Terms

  • Adjudicated Delinquent
  • Adjudicatory Hearing
  • Bail Reform Act (1984)
  • Bifurcated Hearing
  • Coffin v. U.S. (1895)
  • Community Defender Organization,
  • Criminal Justice Act (CJA)
  • Discovery
  • Disposition
  • Disposition Hearing
  • Ex Parte
  • Exculpatory Evidence
  • Federal Public Defender Organization
  • Guilty Plea
  • Judicial Diversion
  • Motion to Suppress
  • Nolo Contendere Plea
  • Not Guilty Plea
  • Petition
  • Post-disposition Hearing
  • Pretrial Motions
  • Pro Bono Publico
  • Racketeering and Corrupt Influence Organization (RICO)
  • Release on Recognizance (ROR)
  • Sustaining the Petition
  • U.S. v. Salerno (1987)

Download a Printable Vocabulary Study Guide [PDF]: Intro_Section_5.3

In your more advanced courses and in your future career, your understanding of many technical and legal terms will be taken for granted.  It is vital that you take the time to really understand the terms presented at the end of each section of this course.  We’ve gone to great lengths to provide you with assistance in mastering this vocabulary.  Don’t forget that there is an extensive glossary that defines all of the bold terms that you will encounter in your reading.  In addition, the vocabulary for each section has been made available on a very useful website called Cram.com.  This site has a wide selection of flashcards for you to study, memorize, test yourself on, and more.  Cram also has a large app store so you can find other mobile flashcards for your Android, iPhone, or Windows device, allowing you to take your flashcards on the go. There are even games that add some fun to learning important terms.

Study Flashcards for this vocabulary on Cram.com.

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Last Updated:  04/21/2021

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