Criminal Justice #4 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is sentencing disparity?

A judicial term for fair sentencing practices.

A situation in which those convicted of similar crimes do not receive similar sentences. (correct)

A program aimed at rehabilitation.

A method of reducing prison populations.

What does sentencing mean?

Making a decision on how to punish a criminal.

What is Just Desserts?

A sanctioning philosophy based on the assertion that criminals deserve to be punished for breaking society's rules.

Who normally makes the sentencing decision?

The Judge. Signup and view all the answers

When is an offender considered to be 'rehabilitated'?

When the offender can be determined to no longer be a threat to society. Signup and view all the answers

What is a prison?

A state or federal confinement facility that has custodial authority over adults sentenced to confinement. Signup and view all the answers

Compared to the number of people in jail, is the number of people on probation more or less?

False Signup and view all the answers

What does a probation revocation process consist of?

The preliminary hearing, the revocation hearing, and revocation sentencing or decision. Signup and view all the answers

Do high rates of incarceration have a disproportionate impact on minority groups?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the incarceration rate per 100,000 for state and federal prisoners sentenced to more than a year?

509 prisoners for every 100,000 U.S. residents. Signup and view all the answers

The rate of imprisonment for African-American males is how much greater than that of white males?

7 times greater. Signup and view all the answers

What is selective incapacitation?

Selective incapacitation seeks to identify the most dangerous criminals, with the goal of removing them from society. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'classification systems'?

Initial classification determines security levels, while internal systems assist in housing plans and program interventions. Signup and view all the answers

Jails are managed by?

Local government, typically the local law enforcement agency. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'time served'?

The amount of time an offender has spent in prison, which can affect sentencing. Signup and view all the answers

What is probation?

A sentence of imprisonment that is suspended, allowing conditional freedom to the offender. Signup and view all the answers

What was the ruling in Mempa v. Rhay (1967)?

The Court ruled that probationers were entitled to an attorney during the revocation process. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by a 'technical violation'?

An action by a probationer that breaks the terms of probation but is not criminal. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'caseload'?

The number of clients a probation officer is responsible for at any one time. Signup and view all the answers

Truth-in-sentencing laws require offenders to serve at least?

85% of their sentence. Signup and view all the answers

What is deterrence?

The strategy of preventing crime through the threat of punishment. Signup and view all the answers

What is incapacitation?

A strategy for preventing crime by detaining wrongdoers in prison. Signup and view all the answers

What is rehabilitation?

The philosophy of providing resources to eliminate criminality rather than solely punishing offenders. Signup and view all the answers

What is indeterminate sentencing?

A prison term imposed after conviction that does not specify a definite period. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sentencing Concepts

Sentencing Disparity: Occurs when individuals convicted of similar crimes receive differing sentences.
Sentencing: The judicial process of determining a punishment for a convicted individual.
Just Desserts: A philosophy asserting that criminals deserve punishment proportional to their offenses.

Roles and Decision Processes

Judge's Role: The judge is responsible for making sentencing decisions.
Rehabilitation: Offenders are considered rehabilitated when they no longer pose a threat to society.

Corrections and Facilities

Prison Definition: A facility operated by state or federal authorities for adults serving a sentence of confinement.
Jail Management: Jails are typically managed by local governments or law enforcement agencies.

Probation and Violations

Probation Definition: A suspended prison sentence allowing conditional freedom under certain behavioral terms.
Probation Revocation Process:
- Preliminary Hearing: To establish probable cause for alleged violations.
- Revocation Hearing: A more detailed examination where both the probation agency and probationer present evidence.
- Revocation Decision: If a violation is found, the judge decides on potential incarceration.

Demographics and Incarceration Rates

Incarceration Rate: For every 100,000 U.S. residents, there are 509 prisoners sentenced to over a year.
Disparities in Incarceration: The rate of imprisonment for African-American males is seven times higher than for white males.

Theories and Strategies in Criminal Justice

Selective Incapacitation: A method focusing on identifying and removing the most dangerous criminals from society.
Deterrence Strategy: Aims to prevent crime through the threat of punishment, suggesting severe penalties to dissuade potential offenders.
Incapacitation: The act of detaining offenders to separate them from the community and reduce criminal activity.

Offense and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation Philosophy: Emphasizes providing resources to eliminate criminal behavior rather than simply punishing offenders.
Indeterminate Sentencing: Involves a prison term with a range, rather than a fixed period or release date.

Additional Definitions

Technical Violation: Non-criminal actions by probationers that violate probation terms, potentially resulting in revocation.
Caseload: Refers to the number of probation clients managed by a probation officer at any given time.
Truth-in-Sentencing Laws: Mandate that offenders must serve at least 85% of their sentence before being eligible for release.

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Description

Test your understanding of key terms in Criminal Justice with these flashcards. This quiz covers important concepts such as sentencing disparity, the philosophy of just deserts, and more. Perfect for students studying criminal law and justice systems.