Introduction
Brandon Bledsoe’s arrest provides valuable information about the U.S criminal justice system. The criminal justice system sanctions the guilty and protects the innocent (Maculan & Gil, 2020). Bledsoe’s case showcases all procedures of the criminal justice system concerning murder and arson. The process begins with arrest and ends with conviction or release.
Case Summary
Allegedly, Bledsoe and Raftery broke into Burdett’s home with the intent of theft. The situation turns tragic since Burdett is shot several times. The perpetrators steal valuable items and set the house on fire. Fortunately, a neighbor identifies burn marks on Bledsoe’s face and calls the Foley police department. Bledsoe is arrested and confesses that his accomplice is Raftery. Both suspects are charged separately for murder and arson.
Entry Into the System: Arrest
A neighbor saw burn wounds on Bledsoe’s face and hands and called the police. The officers picked up Bledsoe and took him to the Foley County Jailhouse. Bledsoe’s fingerprints and mugshot were taken and recorded. The arrest paves the way for the prosecution proceedings (Harmon, 2016).
Prosecution and Pretrial Services: Initial Hearing
After arrest, the prosecution prepares for the initial hearing. Here, the evidence against Bledsoe and his history information is analyzed. The hearing helps in determining if the suspect will be released on bond or held for the preliminary hearing.
Preliminary Hearing
At the preliminary hearing, the judge evaluates the evidence presented by the prosecution to determine if it has probable cause for trial. For instance, if the prosecution shows that Bledsoe murdered Burnett, stole the items, and set the house on fire, the evidence is sufficient for the judge to direct the case to go for trial by a grand jury.
After the preliminary hearing, the case against Bledsoe will go on trial by a jury. The court selects the jury members after meeting prerequisite requirements, such as having no relations with the case parties. The group is briefed about the case. The jury will be presented on all days of the trial, listening to the arguments presented by both the defendant and prosecution.
Adjudication
Here, the judge explains the charges to the accused and his rights too. Bledsoe is asked to either plead guilty or innocent to the charges. If Bledsoe pleads guilty, he will be convicted. If the accused pleads innocent, the case continues.
Conviction
In my view, Bledsoe should be convicted to death in prison due to the seriousness of his actions. Murder and arson are grave mistakes under the justice system. However, Bledsoe is entitled to a visit by either a psychologist or religious member to help him emotionally.
Sentencing and Sanctions
After the trial, the grand jury determines the outcome of the case by discussing and voting. Once convicted, the jury presents its decision during the sentencing hearing. In this case, Bledsoe committed capital crimes of arson and murder. His most probable outcome is either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
Corrections
When offenders are convicted, they can either serve in state prisons or country jails, depending on the duration of their sentences. Bledsoe will serve a life imprisonment sentence without the possibility of parole in a correctional facility.
Possible Alternative
In the beginning, of the case, Burnett seems to have an unpaid loan. Bledsoe is frustrated by the delayed repayment. The defendant could argue that Bledsoe acted out of frustration. The judge may consider the argument and offer a reduced sentence.
Strongest and Weakest Links
The presence of a grand jury reduces the likelihood of biased judgments. The jury ensures that cases remain objective, and the sentences are based on the pieces of evidence rather than the court systems.
One of the weakest links in the criminal justice system is that judges should reach verdicts, even though they should be unbiased. The concept of directing a sentence renders the surety of objectiveness uncertain.
Conclusion
Although the criminal justice system has weaker links, it ensures that justice is served. The case of Bledsoe is proof that offenders never go unpunished. The criminal justice system is focused on preventing crimes and offering proper discipline to criminals.
Reference
Fryling, T. F. (2020). Constitutional law in criminal justice. Wolters Kluwer.
Harmon, R. A. (2016). Why arrest? Michigan Law Review, 115(3), 308-364. Web.
Leuschner, F., Rettenberger, M., & Dessecker, A. (2020). Imprisoned But Innocent: Wrongful Convictions and Imprisonments in Germany, 1990-2016. Crime & Delinquency, 66(5), 687–711. Web.
Liu, J. Z., & Li, X. (2019). Legal techniques for rationalizing biased judicial decisions: Evidence from experiments with real judges. Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, 16(3), 630-670. Web.
Maculan, E., & Gil. A. G. (2020). The rationale and purpose of criminal law and punishment in transitional contexts. Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, 40(1), 132-157. Web.