Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Law & Legal Definition

Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure is the rules governing criminal proceedings in the U.S. district courts. It outlines the procedure for conducting federal criminal trials. However, the admissibility and use of evidence in criminal proceedings is governed by the separate Federal Rules of Evidence.

Criminal procedures safeguards against indiscriminate application of criminal laws and ill treatment of suspected criminals. Criminal procedure tries to ensure that their constitutional rights, beginning with their initial encounter with the police through arrest investigation, trial, sentencing, and appeals, are not violated.

The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure was first promulgated by the U.S. Supreme court, pursuant to its authority under the Rules enabling Act, which in turn the Congress passed. The Federal Rules incorporate and expound upon all guarantees included within the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights.

In the Code, Title I speaks about Applicability, Title II is on preliminary proceedings, Title III is on the grand jury, indictment and information, Title IV is on arraignment and preparation for trial, Title V is about venue, Title VI is on trial, Title VII deals with post-conviction procedures, Title VIII is on supplementary and special proceedings and Title IX speaks about the general provisions.

Federal courts are required to comply with all the criminal procedures listed in the amendments to the Constitution.