| name | criminal-case-summary |
| language | en |
| description | Produces structured U.S. criminal case summaries covering charges, statutes, evidence, procedural history, disposition, and sentencing. Trigger when the user requests a criminal case summary, charge overview, procedural history, trial or plea summary, verdict recap, or sentencing breakdown. |
| tags | ["litigation","summarization","summary"] |
Criminal Case Summary
Neutral, verifiable summary of a criminal case from initiation through disposition.
Required Inputs
- Charging documents — complaint, information, indictment, superseding filings
- Docket / timeline — key dates, hearings, rulings
- Motions and orders — suppression, discovery, evidentiary rulings
- Transcripts — hearings, trial, plea, sentencing
- Evidence inventory — exhibits, reports, forensic results, witness lists
- Disposition records — verdict forms, plea agreement, judgment, sentencing order
Quick Start
- Collect all available case materials from the list above.
- Walk through each section below in order; mark inapplicable sections "Not applicable" with a brief reason.
- Flag any unverified statute or procedural point with
[VERIFY].
- Review against the pitfalls checklist before delivering.
Output Sections
1. Case Header
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Court / Jurisdiction | |
| Case No. | |
| Parties | |
| Judge | |
| Prosecutor | |
| Defense Counsel | |
| Defendant Status | in custody / out / pretrial supervision |
2. Charges
List all charges including amended or dismissed counts.
| Count | Statute | Charge | Level | Enhancements | Disposition |
|---|
| | | felony / misdemeanor | | pending / dismissed / convicted / acquitted |
- Include statute citations; mark unverified ones
[VERIFY].
- Note charging changes with dates and authority (e.g., superseding indictment).
3. Core Facts (Neutral)
Concise, non-argumentative narrative covering:
- Key incident date(s) and alleged conduct tied to each count
- Victim/witness identifiers (initials if privacy-sensitive)
- Arrest or charging basis
- Context needed to understand the charges
4. Evidence Summary
Cover both prosecution and defense evidence.
| Item | Source | Relevant Count(s) | Admitted / Excluded | Ruling / Notes |
|---|
Categories to address: physical, documentary, digital, witness testimony, expert testimony, forensic analysis, demonstrative exhibits, suppression issues.
5. Procedural History
Chronological timeline of material events.
| Date | Event | Outcome / Ruling | Citation |
|---|
Include: arraignment, pretrial motions, discovery disputes, continuances, mistrials, trial or plea hearing dates.
6. Trial Summary (if tried)
| Phase | Key Points |
|---|
| Jury selection | |
| Openings | |
| Prosecution case | |
| Defense case | |
| Rebuttal | |
| Closings | |
| Jury instructions | |
| Deliberations | |
Include objections/rulings only if outcome-relevant.
7. Plea Summary (if plea)
Cover: plea type, counts pled, dismissed counts, factual basis, sentencing terms, waivers.
8. Verdict / Findings
| Count | Verdict | Special Findings | Notes |
|---|
9. Sentencing
| Count | Sentence | Concurrent / Consecutive | Credits | Fines / Restitution | Supervision |
|---|
Include total custodial term, probation/supervised release, and all conditions.
10. Post-Trial / Post-Conviction
Note any: motions for new trial, appeals filed and status, post-conviction relief petitions, sentence modifications.
11. Open Issues / Unknowns
List missing documents or unresolved factual/procedural gaps.
Pitfalls
- Neutrality — no advocacy or opinion; do not infer facts beyond the record.
- Cite sources — tie evidence and facts to specific counts; reference docket entries, transcripts, or exhibits.
- Jurisdiction terminology — respect variations (information vs. indictment, etc.).
[VERIFY] tag — use on any uncertain statute citation or procedural point.- Privacy — use initials for victims/witnesses when appropriate.
