Under Arrest Chapter 3: Preliminary Hearing

Under Arrest—Understanding the Criminal Justice Process in Pennsylvania

PLEASE READ: This video, and all of its sections, is to be used for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional legal advice. The law changes constantly and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. If you need legal advice, you should consult with a licensed attorney.

Under Arrest—Understanding the Criminal Justice Process in Pennsylvania is a video produced by the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. A companion informational guide along with a DVD of the video is available for purchase through the Institute. Visit our website for more information:
http://disabilities.temple.edu/progra...

The criminal justice system is a complex system of rules and substantive law designed to protect the rights of the individual and to preserve the presumption of innocence. It is also an adversarial system, and for those who stand accused, often frightening.

The resulting fear and confusion are compounded for defendants with intellectual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Under Arrest—Understanding the Criminal Justice Process in Pennsylvania presents a step-by-step review of the process - from the arrest, through the preliminary arraignment, preliminary hearing, arraignment, trial, sentencing and possible incarceration.