Criminal Justice Chapter 2 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Actus Reus' refer to in criminal law?

The reasoning behind a justification defense.

The harm caused by the action.

The criminal intent behind an action.

The criminal act or omission. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT an element required to determine if a crime has been committed?

Mens Rea

Legal Representation (correct)

Harm

Causation

Which statement accurately describes justification defenses in criminal law?

They claim that the act was necessary and reasonable under the circumstances. (correct)

They are based solely on the absence of intent.

They demand the application of the eye for an eye principle.

They assert that the individual had no control over their actions.

What role do judicial rulings play in the evolution of criminal law?

They can declare laws unenforceable or broaden existing laws. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Bill of Rights influence criminal procedure?

It limits the government's ability to infringe upon personal freedoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of excuse defenses in criminal law?

They claim a lack of capacity to form criminal intent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a recent development in criminal law reform?

What was previously seen as criminal may not be considered as such today. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of American legal systems, which of the following correctly describes the role of state and federal legislators?

They codify the legal definitions of crimes and corresponding punishments. Signup and view all the answers

Which view suggests that criminal law is shaped by the ongoing struggle between different social classes?

Conflict view Signup and view all the answers

What method focuses on the crime incidents reported by law enforcement?

UCR Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of the self-report survey method in measuring crime?

People may fail to recall past incidents accurately. Signup and view all the answers

What trend was observed in the violent crime rate starting in 1990?

It started to drop until an increase in 2015. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is often cited as contributing to higher crime rates among some social classes?

Limited opportunities leading to stress Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that criminal behavior can be influenced by a person's relationships during childhood?

Developmental theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is noted for being disproportionately involved in criminal activity?

Members of minority groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a chronic offender?

They maintain a high rate of criminal violations throughout life. Signup and view all the answers

How does gun availability influence crime rates?

Easier access can correlate with higher crime rates. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary difference between criminal law and civil law?

Civil law regulates private rights, whereas criminal law regulates public offenses. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Crime

Criminal law encapsulates the definition of crime, which is subject to change.
Consensus view posits that crimes are behaviors harmful to the majority.
Conflict view suggests criminal law is influenced by class struggles.
Interactionist view indicates laws reflect preferences of those holding social power.

Measuring Crime

UCR (Uniform Crime Reports) provides extensive data on reported crime incidents and arrests.
NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting System) offers a more detailed database of crime incidents.
NCVS (National Crime Victimization Survey) gathers data biannually from households about crime experiences.
Self-report surveys collect personal admissions of criminal behavior from individuals.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Crime Measures

UCR data may overlook unreported crimes.
NIBRS has issues with potential over-reporting or under-reporting based on benefits.
NCVS relies on individual memory which can lead to inaccuracies.
Self-report surveys may suffer from honesty issues.

Crime Rate Trends

A notable decline in violent crime rates began in 1990, with a slight uptick observed in 2015.

Influencing Factors on Crime Rates

Age structure influences crime; individuals tend to "age out" unless they are chronic offenders.
Immigration contributes to lower crime rates among immigrant populations.
Availability of guns can increase or decrease crime rates based on accessibility.
Drug laws vary by state, affecting crime statistics.
Justice policies differ across jurisdictions, impacting legal definitions of crime.

Crime Patterns

Ecological factors show lower crime rates in rural and suburban areas.
Gender analytics indicate males are apprehended more frequently.
Racial demographics demonstrate minority groups facing over-representation in criminal activity and racial profiling.
Social class issues present limited opportunities that may lead to crime as a relief from stress.
Young people are typically arrested more, with chronic offenders starting early in life.
Victim patterns can be influenced by gender, age, marital status, race, income, and ecological context.

Criminal Career Concept

Chronic offenders maintain high rates of criminal behavior throughout their lives, often starting from a young age.

Characteristics of Crime Victims

Crime victims exhibit various demographic traits that can influence their likelihood of victimization.

Views on Crime Causation

Social process theories include social learning, social control, and social reaction (labeling and its consequences).
Social conflict theory connects criminal behavior with societal conflicts.
Rational choice theory centers on crime as a product of deliberation.
Biosocial theory links crime to biochemical, neurological, and genetic factors.
Developmental and psychological theories address the impact of early relationships and individual personality traits.
Social structure theories, such as strain theory and cultural deviance, explore societal factors that lead to criminal behavior.

Criminal vs. Civil Law

Civil law governs private rights, while criminal law focuses on societal conduct and public protection.

Historical Development of Criminal Law

Early examples such as the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi exemplify the evolution of legal standards, including the principle of "an eye for an eye."

Sources of Criminal Law

The American legal framework is defined by state and federal statutes, evolving with societal behavior changes and judicial rulings in line with the U.S. Constitution.

Elements of a Crime

Key elements include Actus Reus (criminal act), Mens Rea (criminal intent), Concurrence (joint occurrence), Causation, Harm, and Legality, which together determine crime commission.

Defenses for Crime

Excuse defenses argue diminished capacity due to mental impairment.
Justification defenses admit to the crime but argue it was necessary under the circumstances, affecting the perception of Mens Rea.

Criminal Law Reform Developments

Recent reforms reflect changes in public opinion and morality, leading to the reevaluation of what constitutes criminal behavior.

Role of the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights safeguards personal freedoms against government encroachment, shaping criminal procedural laws.

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Description

This quiz covers Chapter 2 of the Criminal Justice study guide, focusing on the definitions of crime as defined by various perspectives: consensus, conflict, and interactionist views. Additionally, it discusses the methods used to measure crime, including the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system. Test your understanding of these key concepts in criminal law.