Many of us are a little unclear on issues and processes in the courtrooms. Basically this is a law 101 thread. What do we need to know? What basic rights do we have? What are the differences between civilian and military tribunals? What is the composition of a fair trial and jury? et cetera

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"We've been blowin up, we're the issue, we're ammunition" Switchfoot

From memory, one of the differences between US and UK law is that if you visit a Lawyer in the UK and admit your guilt, he should advise you that you must plead guilty and he will try to mitigate the sentence. In the US?

Why were the Diplock courts introduce into N/Ireland

Woah - HUGE thread. This could go on for years. I don't know that there is a simple way to answer any of those questions!

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We've got rules and maps and guns in our backs, but we still can't just behave ourselves. Even if to save our own lives, we are a brutal kind. The Shins

I'd say the most important thing to know in the US is "you have the right to remain silent".

Better to be thought an idiot than to open your mouth a remove all doubt.

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For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security.
Thomas Jefferson

For blacks:

Explain to the Judge that being in that crack-house was simply a mistake and the gun you had in your pocket belonged to a friend....it was also his crack pipe you had in the other pocket.



For whites:

Remind the judge that you aren't black.

What do you call a "scouser" in a Suit GUILTY!

You cant do that over here, If you refuse to answer questions, asked by the police, the Judge may take it you have something to hide! but I know you have the fifth!

Hmmm. I'm starting to detect a trend in your posts, Billy....

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We've got rules and maps and guns in our backs, but we still can't just behave ourselves. Even if to save our own lives, we are a brutal kind. The Shins

Humor, sarcasm and hilarity?

I concur