2. Is This Book a Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Representation in Criminal Cases?
No. The book is in no way intended as a detailed guide to self-representation. It is, however, intended to empower criminal defendants by helping them understand every phase of the criminal justice process and what types of defenses and strategies are available to them.
Except for those who are charged with very minor offenses, defendants almost always will benefit from the advice and counsel of attorneys knowledgeable about the law and the ins and outs of the court where the case will be heard. The basic reasons why self-representation is usually not advisable in criminal cases include:
· In criminal cases, defendants are up against the power and resources of the government. Individual defendants are no match for the police officers and prosecutors who work in the system every day.
· The stakes are often high in criminal cases. A conviction may entail a stiff fine, imprisonment, loss of employment and other penalties, such as deportation （of a noncitizen） and the loss of the right to vote and possess a firearm.
· Judges, prosecutors and jurors are likely to be prejudiced against self-representing defendants. Such defendants are likely to be seen as guilty ''head cases'' who are adding to their sins by trying to disrupt the judicial system.
· Laws and court practices, the knowledge of which is required for a successful outcome, often are "hidden" in appellate court rulings and unwritten policies which cannot easily be researched.
While the information in the book will no doubt assist those defendants who choose self-representation, the authors assume that those facing criminal charges for which jail or prison is a possibility are represented by an attorney, either privately retained or appointed at government expense.
本节常用法律术语：
1、 minor offenses 轻罪
2、 prosecutor n.检察官
3、 conviction n宣告有罪
4、 fine 罚金
5、 imprisonment监禁
6、 deportation n 遣返，驱逐出境
7、 right to vote 投票权
8、 firearm n.枪支
9、 juror n.陪审员
10、 appellate court上诉法院
11、 retain雇用，付费雇用（例如律师）
本期的问题：
1. mumbo-jumbo什么意思呢？
2. "head cases"什么意思呢？
答案：
1.繁文缛节
2.首要委托人
责任编辑：wangpeng6151
