What encompasses criminal procedure?

Criminal procedure refers to the body of law that governs the administration of justice in criminal cases. It includes the rules and standards that law enforcement must follow during investigations, arrests, searches, and trials. This encompasses how evidence is collected, the rights of defendants, how trials are conducted, and the process for appeals. Understanding these procedures is essential for ensuring that the legal rights of individuals are protected throughout the criminal justice process, maintaining the fairness and integrity of the system.

In contrast, the legal fees associated with criminal cases are related to the costs of hiring legal representation but do not pertain to the procedural aspects of criminal law. The penalties for various criminal acts describe the consequences of committing such acts, and the guidelines for sentencing focus specifically on the penalties once a conviction has been made. While they are important aspects of criminal law, they do not define the procedural mechanisms through which cases are brought, adjudicated, and resolved. Thus, focusing on the rules governing proceedings in criminal cases accurately captures the essence of what criminal procedure entails.