What characteristic is true of criminal law as outlined in the material?

The characteristic that criminal law strives to treat the accused as equals is foundational to the principles of justice and due process. In criminal law, every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty, reflecting the commitment to ensuring that all accused persons are afforded the same rights and protections under the law, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status. This equal treatment is essential for upholding the integrity of the legal system and maintaining public confidence in justice.

The concept of equality in criminal law is also reflected in the requirement for fair trials, where an accused person has the right to an attorney, the right to present evidence, and the right to cross-examine witnesses. These rights serve to level the playing field between the state—a powerful entity with extensive resources—and the individual facing charges, thereby reinforcing the notion that all individuals should receive equal consideration under the law.

In contrast, numerous aspects of criminal law, such as the practice of plea bargaining, can complicate this ideal of equality, as they often put pressure on defendants to accept deals that may not reflect a truly equal footing. Additionally, the roles of judges and juries are essential components of the criminal justice system that ensure fairness, rather than eliminating them.