The world today is filled with a lot of crime. Therefore, there is need for a legal system that decides on the consequences for such crimes. Criminal justice is a fair system put in place to ensure that everything is safe and fair. It is set up by the government to ensure fairness and justice is served to law breakers. Studying criminal justice opens doors for one to work as criminal investigators and profilers, forensics, police and correctional supervisors, to district attorneys. In my case, I decided to observe a courthouse that handles criminal, traffic and civil cases. My goal was to be able to witness all working parts of the justice system by watching a criminal trial. I attended the morning court session. I arrived there before the criminal trial began. I came across post-arraignment court. This is the side that makes sure restitution for a crime committed is paid. Before the trial began, lawyers were agreeing on something. There was the judge, the jury, prosecution (district attorney), and the defendant and his lawyers. I observed six important phases of the trial. Both the prosecution and the defense lawyers were given an opportunity to choose a jury they have faith in. This was followed by opening statements from both sides. Witnesses were allowed to testify freely and cross-examined. Then closing arguments were given by both the prosecution and the defense. Afterwards the judge gave the jury instructions on the legal standards needed to make a decision. The last stage was jury deliberation and issuing of a verdict. The proceeding was smooth and transparent. I talked to various people from parties and they all expressed confidence in our justice system. I was impressed by the fairness in handing witnesses from both the defense and prosecution sides. There was also freedom of expression in the courtroom. Witnesses were sworn based on their religion before testifying. Witness credibility was well examined during cross-examination. The fairness and the opportunity presented for the defendant to present their case beyond reasonable doubt is the reason I love criminal law. I would love to object on open court. The lawyers did it loudly, like Objection!! This experience was a positive confirmation that I enjoy my career and would love to participate in a criminal court. In summation, attending the trial was a great experience. From my observation practicing law is not only ethical but interesting. This experience has opened my eyes on what organization I would like to join after graduation. On the many doors criminal justice opens, I would like to be a District Attorney. This way, I will be able to ensure balance between protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty. .

1. The world today is filled with a lot of crime. Therefore, there is
need for a legal system that decides on the consequences for
such crimes. Criminal justice is a fair system put in place to
ensure that everything is safe and fair. It is set up by the
government to ensure fairness and justice is served to law
breakers. Studying criminal justice opens doors for one to work
as criminal investigators and profilers, forensics, police and
correctional supervisors, to district attorneys. In my case, I
decided to observe a courthouse that handles criminal, traffic
and civil cases.
My goal was to be able to witness all working parts of the
justice system by watching a criminal trial. I attended the
morning court session. I arrived there before the criminal trial
began. I came across post-arraignment court. This is the side
that makes sure restitution for a crime committed is paid.
Before the trial began, lawyers were agreeing on something.
There was the judge, the jury, prosecution (district attorney),
and the defendant and his lawyers. I observed six important
phases of the trial. Both the prosecution and the defense lawyers
were given an opportunity to choose a jury they have faith in.
This was followed by opening statements from both sides.
Witnesses were allowed to testify freely and cross-examined.
Then closing arguments were given by both the prosecution and
the defense. Afterwards the judge gave the jury instructions on
the legal standards needed to make a decision. The last stage
was jury deliberation and issuing of a verdict.
The proceeding was smooth and transparent. I talked to
various people from parties and they all expressed confidence in
our justice system. I was impressed by the fairness in handing
witnesses from both the defense and prosecution sides. There
was also freedom of expression in the courtroom. Witnesses
were sworn based on their religion before testifying. Witness

2. credibility was well examined during cross-examination. The
fairness and the opportunity presented for the defendant to
present their case beyond reasonable doubt is the reason I love
criminal law. I would love to object on open court. The lawyers
did it loudly, like Objection!! This experience was a positive
confirmation that I enjoy my career and would love to
participate in a criminal court.
In summation, attending the trial was a great experience. From
my observation practicing law is not only ethical but
interesting. This experience has opened my eyes on what
organization I would like to join after graduation. On the many
doors criminal justice opens, I would like to be a District
Attorney. This way, I will be able to ensure balance between
protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty.