critical stage

critical stage. Criminal procedure. A point in a criminal prosecution when the accused’s rights or defenses might be affected by the absence of legal representation. • Under the Sixth Amendment, a critical stage triggers the accused’s right to appointed counsel. Examples of critical stages include preliminary hearings, jury selection, and (of course) trial. Cf. ACCUSATORY STAGE . [Cases: Criminal Law 641.3(2); Double Jeopardy 59. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 213, 218, 282.]

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词条贡献者

译者Frank，毕业于英国一流的高级翻译学院，擅长翻译涉及交通物流领域的法律文件。