Now Available Online
New video presents detailed overview of criminal justice system in Pennsylvania
Under Arrest—Understanding the Criminal Justice Process in Pennsylvania, a new video produced by the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University can now be viewed on line. See below to select each section or to view the entire video. A companion informational guide along with a DVD of the video is available for purchase through the Institute.
The criminal justice system is a complex system of rules and substantive law designed to protect the rights of the individual and to preserve the presumption of innocence.
It is also an adversarial system, and for those who stand accused, often frightening.
The resulting fear and confusion are compounded for defendants with intellectual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.
Under Arrest—Understanding the Criminal Justice Process in Pennsylvania presents a step-by-step review of the process—from the arrest, through the preliminary arraignment, preliminary hearing, arraignment, trial, sentencing and possible incarceration.
PLEASE READ: This video, and all of its sections, is to be used for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional legal advice. The law changes constantly and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. If you need legal advice, you should consult with a licensed attorney.
The Video Segments:
3 min 5 sec
Overview of the police officer's role, ways that an arrest is made and the initial processing of defendant/accused.
4 min
Defendant is advised of charges and future hearing dates, and bail is set. In addition, this section offers examples of the type of questions that the defendant may be asked.
1 min 36 sec
Commonwealth presents case to judge that a crime has been committed and that the defendant now before the judge more than likely committed the crime.
1 min 46 sec
Defendant is formally advised of the charges that have been filed against him/her by the district attorney's office or the attorney general's office, the defendant enters a plea and a trial date is set.
2 min 44 sec
Review trial-by-jury or trial-by-judge, jury selection, and the trial process phases including the opening arguments, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, and the post-decision process.
3 min 38 sec
A review of the "considerations" of sentencing for a judge, including nature of the offence, impact on victim, etc., the conditions of sentencing where the defendant will serve their sentence, and the definition of probation.
3 min 45 sec
Details the processing of an individual into a facility, including initial interview, meeting a case manger, addressing medical issues, making telephone call to loved one, visitation regulations, etc.
49 sec
A list of all people involved with the creation, production and distribution of this video.
This video was funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council and filmed in Bucks County Pennsylvania.
Criminal Justice Programs at the Institute on Disabilities: more information
For more information, please contact:
Beverly Frantz
Project Coordinator
Email: bfrantz@temple.edu
Voice: (215) 204-5078
Voice/TTY: (215) 204-1356
Fax: (215) 204-6336