Question

Place the following elements of a criminal case in sequential order

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Arrest: This is the process of restraining or apprehending a person (usually a suspect) for an investigation.

2. Indictment: After an arrest, a formal charge is drafted stating the alleged offence that the arrested suspect has committed. It is the charge or the alleged offence that is regarded as an indictment.

3. Arraignment and plea: This refers to the procedure where the accused person/defendant is brought before the court and the charge is read to him in the language that he understands, after which he takes his plea (whether guilty or not guilty).

4. Appearance before a judge: After arraignment and taking of plea the accused person/defendant is then brought before a judge, usually represented by a legal practitioner.

5. Trial: This is the process or stage of criminal procedure where the case of the parties are argued before the court, witnesses are called, and evidence is presented before the court.

6. Verdict and Sentencing: After due evaluation of the case presented before the court and the evidence tendered, the court will make its findings and pronounce its verdict or judgment on the matter  based on its findings on a considered weighting of credible evidence. After which, If the accused person/defendant is found guilty, the the court will sentence the accused person by imposing the punishment prescribed by law on such person.

7.  Appeal: This is the process whereby a person who is unsatisfied with the verdict or judgment of the court, brings an application before an appellate court to have the earlier judgment set aside or varied.