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Class 8 Civics Chapter 6 Notes - Understanding Our Criminal Justice System

Facts that Matter

  • There are four people who play a key role in our criminal justice system. These are: the police, the Public Prosecutor, the defence lawyer and the judge.
  • The role of the police begins with the lodging of an FIR in the police station. After the registration of the FIR, the police start investigation. On the basis of the investigation, they form an opinion.
  • If the police think that the evidence points to the guilt of the accused person, then they file a chargesheet in the court.
  • Police investigations always have to be conducted in accordance with law and with full respect for human rights.
  • The police are not allowed to torture or beat or shoot anyone during investigation.
  • In court, the Public Prosecutor represents the interests of the State. His role begins once the police has conducted the investigation and filed the chargesheet in the court.
  • The Public Prosecutor is expected to act impartically and present the full and material facts, witnesses and evidence before the court.
  • The defence lawyer acts on behalf of the accused. He also produces witnesses and evidence before the court in favour of his client.
  • The judge their hears all the witnesses and any other evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence.
  • Afterwards he decides whether the accused person is guilty or innocent.
  • It the accused is guilty, then the judge pronounces the sentence.

 

Words that Matter

  • Witness. It refers to the person who is called upon in court to give a first hand account of what he/she has seen, heard or knows.
  • Detention. It refers to the situation when the police forcibly keeps someone in custody.
  • Offence. Any act that is defined by the law as a crime.
  • Investigation. It refers to an official examination of the facts about a crime.
  • Memo. It refers to an official note.
  • Cognizable. It refers to an offence for which the police may arrest a person without the court’s permission.
  • Cross-examine. To question the witness carefully who has already been examined by the opposite side to determine the truth of his/her testimony.
  • Evidence. It refers to the facts or signs that make you believe that something is true.
  • Confession. Acceptance of an offence.
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FAQs on Class 8 Civics Chapter 6 Notes - Understanding Our Criminal Justice System

1. What is the purpose of the criminal justice system?
Ans. The purpose of the criminal justice system is to maintain social order, protect individual rights, and punish individuals who have violated the law. It aims to deter crime, rehabilitate offenders, and provide justice for the victims.
2. How does the criminal justice system work?
Ans. The criminal justice system typically involves three main components: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Law enforcement agencies investigate crimes, gather evidence, and make arrests. The courts then review the evidence, determine guilt or innocence, and impose appropriate sentences. Corrections involves the management of convicted offenders, including incarceration, probation, or parole.
3. What are the major steps in the criminal justice process?
Ans. The major steps in the criminal justice process include the initial investigation, arrest, booking, arraignment, pre-trial proceedings, trial, sentencing, and post-conviction actions. Each step has specific procedures and safeguards to ensure fairness and due process for all parties involved.
4. What are the key principles of the criminal justice system?
Ans. The key principles of the criminal justice system include presumption of innocence until proven guilty, the right to a fair trial, due process, proportionality in sentencing, and the protection of individual rights. These principles aim to uphold justice, protect against wrongful convictions, and ensure a fair and impartial system.
5. What are some challenges and criticisms of the criminal justice system?
Ans. Some challenges and criticisms of the criminal justice system include issues of racial disparity, over-incarceration, inadequate access to legal representation, and the high cost of the system. There are also concerns about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the potential for wrongful convictions. These issues have led to calls for criminal justice reform and the exploration of alternative approaches to addressing crime.
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