The justice system will include the judges that defines the laws, the National Guard that protects the public, and enforce the laws, and the jury that would acquit or convict any defendant in court. The people elect the judges, and the high prosector. Each county will have their own Supreme Court for localized laws and will decide to take any county case on a case by case basis. Usually, the appellate court will be the highest court system that will hear a case. The courts are as follows:
- Common Pleas
- District Court
- Appellate Court
- Supreme Court
In the case of civil court, there will be no jury, and attorneys are optional. The judge will make a decision on whether or not the defendant is guilty or not. In criminal court, there will be 10 jurors, and all of them must declare the defendant guilty of what charges the defendant is charged with. If all jurors find the defendant innocent on a charge, then the prosector can not charge the defendant with that crime again. If all jurors find the defendant guilty, the defendant will be sentenced by the judge. If a jury can not make a decision that all members agree upon, then the jury is hung, and must spend up to 7 days for the jury to deliberate. If the jury still can not make a decision, then the prosecutor can decide whether to try the defendant again.
As for the defendant, if the defendant is not a danger to society, nor an escape risk, then the judge can place the defendant on house arrest. An ankle monitor, and an app installed on the defendant’s phone will be required. The judge can also place additional conditions on the defendant. If the defendant violates the conditions, then he will be sent to jail until the trial is over. The judge will usually set a bond only if an escape risk. This is designed to reduce the number of beds a jail or prison is required to have while still making for a safe society. Any defendant found guilty will be decided by the judge whether the convicted defendant will face prison, or house bound prison. House bound prison is likely for non violent offenses. The convict will be required to wear an ankle monitor, and be allowed to go to essential resources, but they will not have freedom otherwise. This will include work, appointments, and grocery shopping. The convict will have a parole officer which must receive permission for any exits of the residence. If the convict violates his conditions, he will be sent to prison. If the defendant is set to go to prison, then they will be placed in a pod with other similar criminals. For example, a fraudster will be placed in a pod with other fraudsters. For those that are a threat to society (such as rapists, and murderers) will be placed in a pod with others that committed similar crimes – therefore reducing the chance of inmate – inmate violence. The same will hold true for gang affiliations.