ABSTRACT
The lead officer in a criminal court is the judge. The judge plays the most significant role in making decisions that will protect an individual’s right to a fair and speedy trial. The judge upholds policy (existing statutory and common law) and may create policy through common law decisions. Judges preside over the
CHAPTER OVERVIEW Criminal justice is one of the most visible confirmations of our liberal social contract-a commitment to the rule of law and due process. In recent years, the policy area has witnessed tremendous change. Many of the changes occurred prior to the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001, but a steady growth in national government influence in criminal justice has occurred over several decades. The events of September 11, however, accelerated change within criminal justice policy.
