Criminal Justice Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

Gun control refers to the policies that federal and state governments implement to limit access to __________ in the U.S.

firearms

Supporters of more gun control blame a lack of it for the nation’s high __________ and murder rates.

homicide

Opponents of gun control argue __________ Amendment rights.

Second

Regulating gun ownership can include measures such as __________ checks.

<p>background</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gun control policy is a significant topic in U.S. __________.

<p>justice</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Brady Bill requires a person wishing to purchase a gun to complete an ______.

<p>application</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person may be deemed 'mentally defective' if they are deemed a danger to themselves or ______.

<p>others</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person lacking the mental capacity to manage their own ______ may be classified as 'mentally defective'.

<p>affairs</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person who has been found ______ or incompetent by a court may be denied gun ownership.

<p>insane</p> Signup and view all the answers

Background checks are upheld by the ______ Court.

<p>Supreme</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discretion is the ability of individuals in the criminal justice system to make operational decisions based on personal ______.

<p>judgment</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discretion can sometimes be used in ______ ways.

<p>biased</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ideally, actors in the criminal justice system will make moral choices based on societal ______.

<p>norms</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ethics are moral principles that govern a person’s perception of right and ______.

<p>wrong</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Crime Control Model emphasizes punishing and repressing criminal ______.

<p>conduct</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Crime Control Model advocates for a quick and ______ system.

<p>efficient</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Crime Control Model places few ______ on the ability of law enforcement to use discretion.

<p>restrictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Crime Control Model, law enforcement's ability to apprehend criminals should not be overly ______.

<p>restricted</p> Signup and view all the answers

The federal law enforcement agency known as the ______ investigates federal crimes.

<p>FBI</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Department of ______ Security oversees various federal law enforcement agencies.

<p>Homeland</p> Signup and view all the answers

The United States has a ______ court system that includes both federal and state courts.

<p>dual</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is responsible for determining the innocence or guilt of criminal suspects.

<p>judge</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ and defense attorneys work alongside the judge in a criminal court.

<p>prosecutors</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and ______ is one of the federal law enforcement agencies.

<p>Explosives</p> Signup and view all the answers

The criminal court's work group includes judges, prosecutors, and defense ______.

<p>attorneys</p> Signup and view all the answers

The courts in the United States include one federal court and ______ state court systems.

<p>fifty</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Model assumes that as a society is formed, its members will come to an agreement about shared norms and values.

<p>Consensus</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Consensus Model, crimes are viewed as acts that violate this shared ______ system.

<p>value</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Model suggests that in large, diverse societies, people may not share beliefs about controversial issues.

<p>Conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Conflict Model, the most ______ powerful members of society have the most influence on criminal law.

<p>politically</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is deemed ______ activity is determined by whichever group happens to be holding power at any given time.

<p>criminal</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Consensus Model proposes that as societal norms and values about ______ change, laws will also change.

<p>morality</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Model views crimes through the lens of shared societal agreements, while the Conflict Model does not.

<p>Consensus</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Conflict Model, the value system imposed on the community reflects the interests of the ______ group.

<p>powerful</p> Signup and view all the answers

The structure of the criminal justice system includes corrections, probation, incarceration, community-based corrections, and ______.

<p>parole</p> Signup and view all the answers

The formal criminal justice process functions like an ______.

<p>assembly-line</p> Signup and view all the answers

The informal criminal justice process relies on the use of ______ to manage cases outside formal procedures.

<p>discretion</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the criminal justice process, the sequence typically involves arrest, trial, and ______.

<p>sentencing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Corrections in the criminal justice system include various forms of punishment and rehabilitation for ______.

<p>offenders</p> Signup and view all the answers

Community-based corrections aim to reintegrate individuals into society and prevent ______ after their release.

<p>recidivism</p> Signup and view all the answers

The criminal justice process can be divided into two main categories: formal and ______.

<p>informal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Incarceration is a form of punishment that involves the confinement of individuals in a ______.

<p>prison</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Consensus Model

A model that assumes a shared set of norms and values in a society. Crimes are defined as acts that violate these shared values and harm the society.

Conflict Model

This model suggests that laws reflect the values of the most powerful groups in society. Criminal activity is defined based on the values of those in power.

Crime

An act that violates a criminal law and is subject to legal punishment.

Federal Law Enforcement

Federal agencies responsible for enforcing laws at the national level.

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Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security oversees national security, immigration, and border protection.

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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Investigates federal crimes, including terrorism, cybercrime, and white-collar offenses.

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Secret Service

Protects the President, Vice President, and other dignitaries, and investigates financial crimes.

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Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Focuses on drug trafficking and related crimes.

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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Investigates and enforces laws related to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives.

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Dual Court System

The United States has a two-tiered court system, with state and federal courts.

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Criminal Courts

The criminal courts are responsible for trying criminal cases, determining guilt or innocence.

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Gun Control Policy

Government rules that aim to limit access to firearms in the U.S.

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Supporters of Gun Control

People who support stronger controls on gun ownership to decrease violence and crimes

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Opponents of Gun Control

People who oppose strong restrictions on gun ownership, arguing for individual rights

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Background Checks

The process of verifying a person's background before allowing them to buy a gun

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Criminal Justice System (Corrections)

The system responsible for handling individuals who have committed crimes. It includes various levels of intervention, from community-based programs to incarceration.

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Probation

A form of punishment that involves supervised release into the community. It aims to help offenders reintegrate into society.

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Incarceration

The most severe form of punishment, involving confinement in a prison or jail. It is reserved for serious offenses.

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Community-based Corrections

Correctional programs that take place within the community, such as probation, parole, or community service. They aim to reduce recidivism and support rehabilitation.

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Parole

A process that allows individuals released from prison to re-enter society under supervision.

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Criminal Justice Process

The process by which criminals are apprehended, prosecuted, and punished. It involves various stages, from arrest to sentencing.

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Formal Criminal Justice Process

This process involves a series of steps that are often structured and sequential, akin to an assembly line.

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Informal Criminal Justice Process

This process is less rigid, relying on discretion to adjust the formal procedures. It can be influenced by individual judgment and circumstances.

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Discretion

The ability of individuals in the criminal justice system to make decisions based on their personal judgment.

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Ethics

Moral principles that guide a person's understanding of right and wrong.

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Crime Control Model

A model that prioritizes punishing and suppressing criminal conduct.

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Crime Control Model

This model values a quick and efficient criminal justice system.

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Crime Control Model

The Crime Control Model places few restrictions on law enforcement's ability to use discretion in apprehending criminals.

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Crime Control Model

The Crime Control Model advocates for a quick and efficient system.

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Crime Control Model

The Crime Control Model prioritizes punishing and suppressing criminal conduct.

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Crime Control Model

The Crime Control Model focuses on efficiency and effectiveness.

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Brady Bill

A law requiring individuals to undergo a background check before purchasing a firearm.

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Mentally Defective

A person may be deemed "mentally defective" if they pose a danger to themselves or others or lack the mental capacity to manage their own affairs.

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Court Finding of Mental Deficiency

Individuals found to be mentally deficient by a court may be restricted from purchasing firearms.

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Supreme Court & Background Checks

The Supreme Court has ruled that background checks for gun purchases are constitutional.

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Mental Health & Gun Ownership

Individuals who have been found mentally deficient or pose a danger to themselves or others may be restricted from purchasing firearms.

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Study Notes

Chapter 1: Criminal Justice in Action

  • This chapter introduces the concept of criminal justice and its different models.

What is Crime? - The Consensus Model

  • Assumes society agrees on norms and values.
  • Crimes violate shared norms and values.
  • Laws change as societal norms change.

What is Crime? - The Conflict Model

  • In diverse societies, beliefs differ on controversial issues.
  • Powerful members have more influence on laws.
  • Criminal activity is determined by those in power.

What is Crime? - Integrated Definition

  • An action punishable under criminal law.
  • Considered an offense against society.
  • Prosecuted by public officials.
  • Punishable with sanctions that involve freedom or life.

The Five Categories of Criminal Behavior

  • Violent crime: Crimes against people (murder, assault, robbery, etc.)
  • Property crime: Crimes for economic gain (theft, burglary, arson, etc.)
  • Public order crime: "Victimless" crimes (public drunkenness, prostitution).
  • White-collar crime: Crimes for business or personal gain (fraud, embezzlement).
  • Cyber crime: Computer-related crimes (hacking, identity theft).

The Purpose of the Criminal Justice System

  • Maintain justice.
  • Protect society from future crimes.
  • Determine when an offense took place and what punishment is needed.
  • Rehabilitate offenders to make them safe for reentry into society.
  • Support crime victims.

The Three Levels of Law Enforcement

  • Figures are provided showing the division of law enforcement between federal, state, and local governments in terms of personnel.

The Structure of the Criminal Justice System (Law Enforcement)

  • Local: City police, county sheriffs.
  • State: State police, highway patrols, other state agencies.
  • Federal: Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Secret Service, DEA, ATF.

The Structure of the Criminal Justice System (The Courts)

  • The United States has a dual court system (federal and state).
  • Comprised of varying numbers of courts at each level.
  • Includes judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys.
  • Their roles are in determining innocence or guilt.

The Structure of the Criminal Justice System (Corrections)

  • Corrections: Probation, incarceration, community-based corrections, parole.

The Criminal Justice Process

  • The formal criminal justice process functions in an assembly-line fashion.
  • Arrest -> trial -> sentencing.
  • The informal process uses discretion to adjust the rigidity of statutes and rights.

Discretion and Ethics

  • Discretion: the ability of individuals to make decisions based on their personal judgment.
  • This ability is sometimes used in biased ways.
  • Ideally, choices should be ethical and follow societal norms.

Criminal Justice Today - The Crime Control Model

  • Focuses on punishing and repressing criminal conduct.
  • Emphasizes quick, efficient systems with minimal restrictions on the actions of law enforcement.

Criminal Justice Today - The Due Process Model

  • Prioritizes protecting the rights of the accused.
  • Uses formal legal restraints for police, courts, and corrections.
  • Aim is to make proving guilt difficult.

Criminal Justice Today - Smarter Policing

  • Proactive policing for minor offenses prevents more serious crimes.
  • DNA profiling, and biometrics to help identify criminals.

Criminal Justice Today - Continuing Challenges

  • Street gangs: Most gang-related homicides are not crime-related, stemming from arguments.
  • Gun use and crime: US has high gun ownership, contributing to problems.
  • Issues of race and trust: Racial tension and disparities in the criminal justice system are persistent.
  • Illegal drugs: Continuing concerns about drug use and crimes that are related.

Criminal Justice Today - Gun Control Policy

  • Refers to policies by federal and state governments regarding firearm ownership.
  • Controversial.
  • Many opinions on regulation and policy.
  • States have varying rules and laws.

Criminal Justice Today - Changing Landscape of Policing

  • Police brutality has resulted in increased scrutiny.
  • Public videos in investigations.
  • Increased tensions between police and community.
  • "De-incarceration" movement: Reducing prison populations using various methods.
  • Declining use of the death penalty.
  • Spending on corrections.

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