Criminal Justice Concepts Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary aim of prison programs?

To facilitate the reintegration of offenders into society (correct)

To increase prison population

To provide free legal representation to inmates

To enforce stricter penalties on crimes

Which of the following best describes the Rehabilitation Model?

It addresses underlying causes of crime through treatment (correct)

It suggests crime is solely a choice of the individual

It emphasizes punishment for criminal behavior

It focuses exclusively on the mental state of the criminal

What is a reception facility's purpose?

To provide long-term rehabilitation

To house offenders for life

To conduct trials for serious offenses

To evaluate and screen inmates before assignment (correct)

What was the significance of the Elmira Reformatory?

It earned recognition as America's first reformatory Signup and view all the answers

Who is recognized as the 'Father' of American Parole?

Zebulon Brockway Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'double jeopardy' refer to?

The prohibition against being tried twice for the same offense Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the Pennsylvania System?

It utilized solitary confinement to encourage penitence Signup and view all the answers

What is 'beyond a reasonable doubt' in legal terms?

The standard of proof needed for a criminal conviction Signup and view all the answers

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

The guilty act or conduct that constitutes a crime Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of bail in the criminal justice system?

To ensure a defendant's appearance at trial Signup and view all the answers

What does a 'Grand Jury' do in the criminal justice process?

Determines if there is enough evidence to indict a suspect Signup and view all the answers

In what type of trial structure is a 'Bifurcated Trial' characterized?

A trial divided into two separate phases Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Concurrent Sentence' mean in sentencing?

Multiple sentences served at the same time Signup and view all the answers

What principle does 'Deterrence' represent in criminal justice?

Punishment can prevent future crime Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the term 'Incapacitation'?

Punishment aimed at preventing further crime by removing offenders from society Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes 'Civil Law' compared to Criminal Law?

It deals with private disputes between individuals or organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is an Insanity Defense?

A legal defense claiming the defendant was not mentally responsible for a crime. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Mala in Se' refer to?

Crimes considered inherently evil, regardless of law. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a Monetary Fine?

A financial penalty imposed as a punishment for a crime. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Status Offense?

An act that is only illegal for juveniles, such as truancy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Procedural Criminal Law regulate?

The process governing arrests, trials, and sentencing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Supremacy Clause?

A constitutional provision that establishes federal law as supreme over state law. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Search Warrant?

A legal document that allows law enforcement to search a specific location. Signup and view all the answers

What does Restitution refer to?

Payment by an offender to a victim to compensate for losses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Miranda Rights?

To inform suspects of their constitutional rights before custodial interrogation Signup and view all the answers

What does parole refer to in the criminal justice system?

The conditional release of an inmate before their sentence ends Signup and view all the answers

Which system emphasizes solitary confinement and penitence?

Pennsylvania System Signup and view all the answers

What does a plea bargain involve?

An agreement where a defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a lesser charge Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'precedent' in legal terms?

A previously decided case that guides future cases Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'probable cause'?

A reasonable belief that a crime has been committed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of sentencing guidelines?

To specify the range of punishments for different offenses Signup and view all the answers

What does retribution in the context of punishment imply?

Punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Actus Reus

The guilty act or conduct that constitutes a crime.

Administrative Law

Rules and regulations created by government agencies, having the force of law.

Auburn System

A prison system that emphasized silent congregate labor during the day and solitary confinement at night.

Bail

Money or property deposited with the court to ensure a defendant's appearance at trial.

Bifurcated Trial

A trial divided into two phases: guilt and sentencing.

Burden of Proof

The obligation to present evidence to support a claim.

Civil Law

The body of law that governs private disputes between individuals or organizations.

Community Corrections

Supervision of offenders in the community as an alternative to incarceration.

Concurrent Sentence

Multiple sentences served at the same time.

Consecutive Sentence

Multiple sentences served one after another.

Criminal Justice Funnel

A model depicting the flow of cases through the criminal justice system, showing attrition at each stage.

Criminal Law

The body of law defining crimes and their punishments.

Death Penalty

Capital punishment, the execution of a person convicted of a crime.

Defendant

The person accused of a crime in a criminal case.

Deterrence

The theory that punishment prevents future crime.

Discretion

The authority of criminal justice professionals to make decisions based on judgment.

Dual Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a central and regional government.

Felony

A serious crime usually punishable by imprisonment for a year or more.

Grand Jury

A group of citizens determining if sufficient evidence exists to indict a suspect.

Incapacitation

The theory that punishment removes offenders from society to prevent further crime.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a particular type of case.

Juvenile Justice System

The system handling cases involving minors in the justice system.

Mens Rea

The guilty mind or intent required for a criminal conviction.

Misdemeanor

A less serious crime typically punishable by fines or jail time under a year.

Miranda Rights

Constitutional rights informing suspects before custodial interrogation.

Parole

Conditional release of an inmate from prison before sentence completion.

Pennsylvania System

A prison system emphasizing solitary confinement and penitence.

Plea Bargain

An agreement between prosecution and defense for a lesser charge or sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.

Precedent

A previously decided case guiding future cases.

Probable Cause

A reasonable belief that a crime has been committed or evidence exists.

Probation

A sentence allowing a convicted offender to remain in the community under supervision.

Prosecutor

The government attorney representing the state in a criminal case.

Rehabilitation

The theory that punishment aims to reform offenders.

Retribution

The theory that punishment should be proportionate to the crime.

Sentence

The punishment imposed by a court on a convicted offender.

Sentencing Guidelines

Rules specifying the range of punishments for different crimes.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of following precedent in judicial decision-making.

Statute

A law passed by a legislative body.

Trial

A formal judicial proceeding to determine guilt or innocence.

Walnut Street Jail

A Philadelphia jail recognized as the first U.S. prison with individual cells and designated work areas.

Congregate System

A prison system, also known as the Auburn System, with features like inmates working together in silence during the day, placed in solitary confinement during the night.

Lease System

A system where convicts are leased to private businesses for labor during Reconstruction, predominantly in the Southern states.

Declaration of Principles

Foundational guidelines for the National Prison Association regarding corrections.

Special Populations

Groups within the correctional system needing particular attention (elderly, juveniles, etc).

Prison Programs

Activities aiming to reintegrate offenders into society and prevent recidivism through substance abuse, anger management, and education.

Private Prisons

Correctional facilities operated by for-profit companies under government contracts.

Reception Facility

An initial facility for evaluating and processing of inmates before permanent assignment.

Reformatory Movement

A movement advocating for separating juveniles from adult prisons using specialized facilities for rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Model

A model that suggests that criminal behavior stems from external factors that can be addressed through treatment to reform the individual.

Elmira Reformatory

The first major institution in the U.S. to be fully dedicated to rehabilitation.

Zebulon Brockway

A significant figure in prison reform, considered the "Father" of American Parole.

Penitentiary

A term for prison emphasizing penitence.

Rational Choice Theory

The theory that criminals make decisions based on cost-benefit analysis.

Restitution

Compensation paid by the offender to the victim for losses.

Revocation

Cancellation of probation or parole due to violation of conditions.

Search Warrant

Court order for law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence.

Status Offense

An act that's only illegal for juveniles (e.g., truancy, curfew violations).

Substantive Criminal Law

The body of law that defines crimes and elements.

Supremacy Clause

Provision that federal law supersedes state law.

Tort

A civil wrong causing harm to another.

United States Circuit Courts

Intermediate appellate courts within the federal court system.

United States Sentencing Commission

Independent federal agency establishing sentencing guidelines for federal courts.

Violation

A minor offense usually punishable by a fine.

Appeal

Request to a higher court to review a lower court's decision.

Bench Warrant

Court order for the arrest of a person who failed to appear in court.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The required standard of proof for a criminal conviction.

Constructive Possession

Knowledge of and control over an illegal item.

Double Jeopardy

Constitutional protection against double punishment for the same offense.

Duress

A defense stating that the defendant was forced to commit a crime.

Evidentiary Standard

The level of proof required to admit evidence in court.

Excuse

A defense claiming that the defendant shouldn't be held responsible for a criminal act due to extenuating circumstances.

Insanity Defense

A legal defense claiming that the defendant was not mentally responsible for a crime.

Lesser Included Offense

A crime that is necessarily included in a more serious offense.

Mala in Se

Crimes deemed inherently evil, regardless of law.

Mala Prohibita

Crimes that are wrong solely due to being prohibited by law.

Monetary Fine

A financial penalty for a crime.

Mutual Pledge System

An early system of law enforcement relying on family groups for order.

Ordinance

A law passed by a local government.

Police Brutality

Excessive or unjustified force by law enforcement.

Pretrial Detention

Holding a defendant in custody before trial.

Procedural Criminal Law

Body of law governing the process of criminal justice.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in criminal justice including Actus Reus, Administrative Law, and various types of sentencing. This quiz covers essential terms and principles relevant to the field. Perfect for students or anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of criminal law.