Problem 1: Although the nationally relevant nature of the trial against Derek Chauvin was atypical of many criminal trials in the United States, it is common for certain crimes to garner a good deal of local interest and attention. Do the procedural steps described in this chapter adequately balance the defendant's right to a fair trial with the expectation that a trial be held where the crime occurred?
Problem 2: Is it appropriate to allow victim impact statements to be submitted at the sentencing phase of a criminal trial?
Is it more appropriate to have them read in open court prior to the sentencing decision, or should they be held until the sentence has already been determined?
Does the use of these statements make a difference to you in terms of whether it is a judge or a jury that determines the sentence?
Problem 3: In the United States, the length of a prison sentence cannot generally be appealed if it is within the range prescribed by law. That is not the case in many countries, such as the United Kingdom, where convicted persons may appeal the length of their sentence if they believe it to be unjust. Would it be a good idea if convicted felons in this country could appeal the severity of their prison terms?