The level of guilt associated with a crime can often differ according as to who makes that decision: the prosecutor, jury, or judge. The degree of guilt determines the criminal penalty the defendant can be sentenced with.
In the United States, crimes have a very narrow definition; therefore, a person charged with a crime knows exactly what they are being charged with, and which elements the prosecutor must prove for him to be found guilty. The defendant also knows what defenses he can use to prove his innocence. Furthermore, should the defendant be found guilty of a crime, any criminal penalty imposed on the ...
