Module 2
Overview of the Criminal Justice System

Introduction

The criminal justice system is complex. This module is designed to give you a basic sense of the process, from where to sit in the courtroom to what all those unfamiliar terms mean. 

This module will:

  • Define the unique language of the criminal justice system;
  • Provide a timeline of the process; and
  • Explain what typically takes place during each stage of the process.

Victim advocates have a role at each stage of the criminal justice system process which is why understanding the process is critically important to advocates’ work. This module will provide a bird’s eye view of the criminal justice system. Module 7 will explore precisely what victim advocates’ roles can be at each stage and tips for advocates to insert themselves into the process and fulfill their role within the system.

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This module will be available to you as soon as you complete Module 1. To complete a module, you must read each of the lessons and complete the review quiz at the end.

It is important to finish Module 1 so that you have sufficient context for the rest of the program. After that, you'll have full access to jump between lessons however works best for you.

Tip: In the left sidebar, you'll notice a vertical bar of squares. Each square represents a lesson in that module. You can see at a glance which lessons you've done (brightly colored) and which ones you have not (gray).

Return to Module 1