Criminal Justice and Individual Rights

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Questions and Answers

What was a primary concern of early reformers regarding children in the justice system?

Children's development and rehabilitation should be prioritized over punishment. (correct)

Children should be treated as a threat to society.

Children should be punished in the same way as adults.

Children require minimal intervention from the state.

Which state first adopted a juvenile court statute that influenced the entire United States?

California

Illinois (correct)

Texas

New York

What was the main premise behind viewing children in the juvenile justice system?

Children were perceived as fundamentally good and deserving of care. (correct)

Children lack the capacity for change and rehabilitation.

Children are inherently malicious and need strict control.

Children should be subjected to adult legal standards.

What was considered inappropriate for children in the juvenile justice system?

Facing lengthy prison sentences alongside adult criminals. Signup and view all the answers

What concept did the juvenile court movement primarily focus on?

Rehabilitation and treatment of the youth. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative consequence of discretion in the criminal justice system?

Inconsistent enforcement of laws Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of individual rights is most likely to conflict with public safety?

Right to privacy Signup and view all the answers

How have perceptions of children's culpability changed since the 19th century?

Children's understanding of morality is recognized as a factor in culpability. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential risk of police discretion in stopping and searching individuals?

Over-policing of specific communities Signup and view all the answers

In the context of criminal justice, what is meant by the term 'double-edged sword' regarding discretion?

It can both enhance and hinder justice. Signup and view all the answers

What role does public accountability play in the exercise of discretion by criminal justice professionals?

It helps ensure discretion is used fairly and responsibly. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a result of prosecutors exercising their discretion unethically?

Disproportionate targeting of certain groups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes the change in legal treatment of children since common law?

Recognition of developmental differences impacts legal accountability. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Individual Rights and Public Safety

Individual rights are protected in democracies to ensure freedom and equality for all citizens.
There is a potential conflict between individual rights and public safety, as measures taken to protect public safety may infringe upon individual rights.

Discretion in the Criminal Justice System

Discretion can be a double-edged sword in the criminal justice system, allowing for both flexibility and potential bias.
Police officers' discretion can lead to profiling and racial bias, resulting in over-policing of certain communities.
Prosecutors have significant discretion, including charging, pursuing charges, and offering plea deals, which can be misused.
Transparency and accountability are vital to ensure responsible and fair use of discretion.

Evolution of Juvenile Justice

Prior to the 19th century, children were treated as adult criminals in the US.
The concept of juvenile justice emerged from a changing view of children as individuals with unique developmental needs.
In the 19th century, the Juvenile Court Movement arose, advocating for separate treatment and rehabilitation of youth offenders.
The focus of the juvenile justice system shifted from punishment to treatment and rehabilitation, recognizing the potential for rehabilitation and the state's responsibility in supporting youth.

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Description

Explore the balance between individual rights and public safety within the context of the criminal justice system. This quiz also delves into discretion in law enforcement and the evolution of juvenile justice in the United States, highlighting both historical and contemporary issues. Test your knowledge on the complexities that arise when protecting civil liberties.