criminal-case-summary

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

1. Charging documents — complaint, information, indictment, superseding filings
2. Docket / timeline — key dates, hearings, rulings
3. Motions and orders — suppression, discovery, evidentiary rulings
4. Transcripts — hearings, trial, plea, sentencing
5. Evidence inventory — exhibits, reports, forensic results, witness lists
6. Disposition records — verdict forms, plea agreement, judgment, sentencing order

Quick Start

1. Collect all available case materials from the list above.
2. Walk through each section below in order; mark inapplicable sections "Not applicable" with a brief reason.
3. Flag any unverified statute or procedural point with [VERIFY].
4. 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.