It is important to understand the differences between the federal and state courts, and the different actors and specific role each play in the progression of a trial or session. In this assessment, you outline details about the actors in the courtroom in federal and state courts. This assessment is meant to help you understand the courts and prepare you to participate in the courtroom process.

Imagine you are a criminal justice professional for your local jurisdiction. You have been asked to speak to the public at a community forum and explain the roles of different actors in your state’s court and its structure. 

Assessment Deliverable

Create a 8- to 10-slide presentation to use as an aide as you speak to your community. In your presentation:

• Describe the structure of your state’s criminal court system and explain its jurisdiction.
• Explain the role of the court and how it is structured, and identify the types of cases seen in this court and why this court has jurisdiction.
• Identify the actors in your state’s criminal court, and do the following:
• Describe the role of each actor.
• Explain how the judge selection process and qualifications are necessary.
• Explain the difference between the responsibility of the prosecutor and the responsibility of the defense attorney and describe why it is important for these responsibilities to be fulfilled adequately (consider the effect of overzealousness compared to the effect of underperformance).
• Explain how a jury is selected and identify who may sit as a juror in your state and how they are summoned.

Include a title slide, a reference slide, and detailed speaker notes of at least 50 words per slide.

Include at least 1 illustration in your slides, such as graphics, charts, and tables to enhance your presentation.

Cite at least 2 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar references, with 1 source related to state courts and 1 source related to federal courts.

Format your citations and references according to APA guidelines.