Understanding the American Justice System
A very brief overview
The police investigate a suspect, and present the evidence to the District Attorney (DA). If the DA thinks there is enough proof, they will present it before a grand jury, who will decide if there is probable cause to support the criminal charges. If they decide to indict, the case will go to court, and be tried by a regular jury. A judge presides the trial, a prosecutor accuses the defendant, and a defense lawyer is responsible for his or her defense. If the defendant does not have enough money to pay for a lawyer, he is provided the services of a public defender. Many times, the defendant is offered a plea bargain, an arrangement between prosecutor and defendant, whereby the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence or an agreement to drop other charges.
In Episode 13, Columbo and Patrick meet Cathleen at Barney’s bar. What happens there is a real eye-opener for Columbo.
Clique aqui para ver Episódio 13.1
Clique aqui para ver Episódio 13.2
In Episode 14, the District Attorney decides to indict Clifford Calvert. Columbo visits Clifford and we finally discover why he was so interested in the cigar ends.
Comprehension: