According to American law, if someone is accused of a crime, he is considered innocent until the court proves the person is guilty. To arrest a person, the police have to be reasonably sure that a crime has been committed. The police must give the suspect the reasons why they are arresting him and tell him his rights under the law. Then, the police take the suspect to the police station where the name of the person and the charges against him are formally listed. The next step is for the suspect to go before a judge. The judge decides whether the suspect should be kept in jail or released. If the suspect has no previous criminal record and the judge feels that he will return to court rather than run away, he can go free. Otherwise the suspect must put up bail. At this time too, the judge will appoint a court lawyer to defend the suspect if he can’t afford one. The suspect returns to court a week or two later. A lawyer from the district attorney’s office presents a case against the suspect. The attorney may present evidence as well as witnesses. The judge then decides whether there is enough reason to hold a trial. The American Justice System is very complex, and sometimes operates slowly. However, every step is designed to protect the rights of the people. These individual rights are the foundation of the American government.