Between 2-3 paragraphs for each question.
Question 1.
Compare and contrast New Jersey’s system of appointing Prosecutors and Judges vs. other states, like Pennsylvania, where these individuals are elected to office. Describe at least 3 Pros and 3 Cons of EACH Appointed and Elected.
Question 2.
Many participants in the court system are surprised to see the prosecuting and defense attorneys interacting casually and behaving in a friendly manner toward one another. Should the advocates for the two opposing sides behave this way in an adversarial system? Does this hurt their ability to be effective advocates for their clients? Should this type of relationship be limited or encouraged? Explain your reasoning.
Question 3. Read the attached article, and answer the following questions:
1. What did the Judge do (list ALL activities) that was unethical and/or illegal and tell me (for each activity) whether it was unethical, illegal, or both.
2. If action(s) were unethical, explain why it was unethical (based on duty, rules, law, etc).
3. According to which individual ethical system is the action(s) considered unethical? Explain WHY.
4. Do you agree/disagree that the action(s) are unethical? Why/Why not?
5. Do you agree/disagree with the reprimand/punishment? Why/Why not? Should the reprimand/punishment be more severe/less severe? Why/Why not?
Question 4.
Discuss the role of the news media in the courtroom workgroup. Members of the courtroom workgroup are sometimes able to use the media to portray a case to their clients or their own advantage.
Does this help or hurt the court system and its goals? Should the role of the media be limited or expanded in any way? Explain your reasoning.
Question 5.
Which entity has the most power in the Courtroom Workgroup? Provide 5 different, but specific reasons Why? Include stats/data if you can.
Question 6.
From the below list of characteristics of our current legal system, what 1 thing would you change? Provide at least 5 different reasons WHY this 1 thing should be changed.
-Plea Bargaining
-Public Defenders Having Huge Caseloads
-Utilizing Expert Witnesses
-Prosecutorial Noble Cause Corruption
-Exculpatory Evidence Rule
-Prosecutorial Immunity
-Utilizing Jail House Witnesses
