Crimical Justice System: The Beauty of Detail

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The stages of trial in the criminal justice system are not always as it is depicted in movies or television shows. According to the entertainment industry, there are two sides: good versus evil, and the story usually ends with an epic, jaw-dropping conclusion that finds the defendant guilty as in A Few Good Men. While that may be the case during some trials, the true beauty lies within the strategy of the prosecution and the defense. In fact, there is a distinct art that occurs at trial that takes a tremendous amount of preparation and knowledge to gain the upper hand. It is almost like a game of chess; each move most be well calculated and thought out because it can determine the outcome of the entire case. It is a mental battle between opposing counsels, where the one with the ability to think ahead often wins. On March 5, 2014 at 0900 hours I observed the United States v. Soto case. I attended the opening statements and the examination of witnesses. Brandon James Kimura, the Assistant United States Attorney, acquired the government’s burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant, Hector Soto, was guilty. Attorney Michael E. Lasater assisted Kimura in his proceedings. On June 29, 2013 at 1300 hours, border patrol agents stopped the defendant in his vehicle at the point of entry. Due to the perception of nervousness, the inspecting agent passed Soto to secondary for further examination. Upon a thorough investigation, border patrol agents discovered four packages concealed behind the driver’s seat. Underneath the defendant’s jacket, lied 2.9 kilograms of pure methamphetamines worth approximately $80,000. Under the United Stated Penal Code Title 21: Section 841, Soto knowingly possessed a controlled substance with in... ... middle of paper ... ...s from The Prosecution Function to a real life setting. My tainted movie perception of the criminal justice system no longer exists. While the process does not necessarily always have an unbelievable climax, the excitement lies in the subtle details the opposing counsels must recognize in order to gain an advantage; it truly is a mind game. The immense amount of time and effort that is put forth makes me appreciate the quality of art that lawyers possess. The knowledge and preparation it takes to be successful is astounding, and it is a pleasure to watch. Works Cited Burns, L. (2009). The Prosecution Function: Volume II. San Diego: Montezuma Publishing, p.110. Rogers, W. Thoughts and Quotes: You never get a seco…-Forbes.com.[online] Thoughts.forbes.com. Available at: http://thoughts.forbes.com/thoughts/business-will-rogers-you-never-get [Accessed 20 Apr. 2014].

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