Criminal cases refer to legal proceedings in which individuals or entities are accused of violating criminal laws. These cases are initiated by the government, represented by a prosecutor, against the accused, who is often referred to as the defendant. The primary objective of a criminal case is to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused based on evidence presented during a trial.
Criminal cases encompass a wide range of offenses, from minor infractions to serious crimes such as theft, assault, and murder. The legal process typically involves several stages, including investigation, arrest, arraignment, pre-trial motions, trial, and sentencing if the accused is found guilty. In criminal cases, the burden of proof rests on the prosecution, which must establish the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Outcomes of criminal cases can result in various penalties, such as fines, probation, imprisonment, or restorative justice measures. The legal framework governing criminal cases varies by jurisdiction and may involve both statutory laws and case law precedent. Importantly, defendants in criminal cases have specific rights, including the right to a fair trial, legal representation, and protection against self-incrimination, as enshrined in many legal systems.