Discuss the structure of the courtroom workgroup - each courtroom actor.

What are distinct roles?

What level of cooperation of effectiveness in working together is necessary for the successful functioning of our American Court System?

Specifically, in what ways does their cooperation, or lack of cooperation, impact our American Court System? Explain.

In your opinion, what actor has the most significant power and why?

If you were a defendant, what might be some of the concerns one would have if they saw their defense attorney and the Prosecutor "joking" or laughing together? How do defense attorneys avoid that yet maintain cordial relationships with Prosecutors? Why is it important for a defense attorney to have a good working relationship with the Prosecutor?

Regarding judges, please discuss and describe the three main methods of judicial selection.What are the disadvantages of each?Which do you believe to be the most effective method of judicial selection and why?

Find one current example ( headline, news article) of EACH courtroom actor doing something well or doing something poorly as it relates to the courtroom workgroup. Summarize the facts of your current event and cite the source.