Chapter 15 covers each stage in the criminal case process, and the decisions that are made at each stage. Stages in the process include, entry into the system; prosecution and pretrial services; adjudication decisions; sentencing decisions; corrections decisions; and diversion out of the system. Then, the development of the juvenile justice system is discussed. The stages of the juvenile justice system are similar, but not identical, to the stages in the adult criminal justice process. The differences are intended to deal with the special needs or situations facing juvenile offenders. After a discussion of the juvenile justice process, the role of the victim in the system is examined. Generally, the victim does play a large role throughout the process. However, the victims’ rights movement seeks to remedy the lack of permissible participation on the part of the victim.
