The judicial system was put into place by the founders of the country to ensure the freedoms of citizens of the United States and to safeguard liberties. As one of the key issues leading to the Declaration of Independence and one of the three estates founded to establish checks and balances within the government to dissuade tyranny, it is a cornerstone of protecting an individual&8217;s rights.

From beginning to end the criminal judicial process, while trying to remain as expedient as possible, looks to ensure that those finding themselves in the system are treated as fairly as possible. Though justice is never a cut and dry issue and a rare few cases may proceed through the process involving someone wrongly accused, attorneys on both sides of the aisle agree that for the most part the system works barring minor adjustments.

Griggers said the system is set up to play into the hands of those accused of a crime in order to ensure they are not sent to jail for something they may not have done. He said since the system plays into the favor of a defendant it can be frustrating at times for a prosecuting attorney, but he said these safeguards for a defendant make the system one of the fairest one can find.

Coplin said while there may have been subtle changes in the system through the years since its inception, it still remains largely the same. He said one of the biggest issues the system faces is its garantee to a right to a speedy trial.

Griggers said if a defendant would plead during the process or prosecutors could get more court days the process might become quicker, but he said it is hard to move the number of individuals through the system with the limited time.