Criminal Law

1. Criminal Procedure
   1. Investigation
      1. Gathering Evidence
         1. Types of evidence
            1. Physical evidence
            2. Digital evidence
            3. Testimonial evidence
         2. Surveillance techniques
            1. Wiretapping
            2. Undercover operations
         3. Chain of custody
            1. Documentation process
            2. Maintaining evidence integrity
      2. Search and Seizure
         1. Fourth Amendment rights
         2. Warrants
            1. Search warrants
            2. Warrant exceptions
         3. Exclusionary rule
            1. Fruit of the poisonous tree
      3. Arrest Procedures
         1. Arrest warrants
            1. Requirements for issuance
            2. Execution of warrants
         2. Miranda rights
            1. Right to remain silent
            2. Right to an attorney
         3. Booking process
            1. Fingerprinting
            2. Mugshot
   2. Charging
      1. Formal Accusation
         1. Role of the police
         2. Role of the prosecutor
      2. Filing of Charges by Prosecutor
         1. Information vs. indictment
            1. Grand jury process
            2. Preliminary examination
         2. Decision to prosecute
            1. Probable cause
            2. Discretionary factors
   3. Pre-Trial
      1. Bail and Bond
         1. Types of bail
            1. Cash bail
            2. Secured bonds
         2. Bail reform issues
            1. Risk assessment
            2. Pre-trial detention effects
      2. Preliminary Hearings
         1. Probable cause determination
         2. Witness testimony
      3. Plea Bargaining
         1. Types of pleas
            1. Guilty
            2. No contest
         2. Strategy in plea deals
         3. Impact on sentencing
   4. Trial
      1. Jury Selection
         1. Voir dire process
         2. Challenges for cause
         3. Peremptory challenges
      2. Opening Statements
         1. Prosecution opening
         2. Defense opening
      3. Presentation of Evidence
         1. Types of evidence admissible
            1. Direct vs. circumstantial
            2. Hearsay exceptions
         2. Role of experts
            1. Expert testimony
            2. Daubert standard
      4. Witness Examination
         1. Direct examination
         2. Cross-examination
         3. Redirect examination
      5. Closing Arguments
         1. Summarizing the case
         2. Persuasion techniques
      6. Jury Deliberation
         1. Jury instructions
         2. Unanimity vs. majority decision
   5. Sentencing
      1. Determination of Punishment
         1. Role of the judge
         2. Role of sentencing guidelines
      2. Sentencing Guidelines
         1. Federal vs. state guidelines
         2. Mandatory minimum sentences
      3. Factors Influencing Sentencing
         1. Aggravating factors
         2. Mitigating factors
         3. Impact statements
   6. Appeals
      1. Basis for Appeal
         1. Procedural errors
         2. Interpretation of the law
      2. Appellate Court Procedures
         1. Briefs and oral arguments
         2. Decision-making process
      3. Possible Outcomes
         1. Affirmation
         2. Reversal
         3. Remand for retrial