Criminal Justice Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of bail?

To provide financial relief to the prosecution.

To allow the defendant to avoid incarceration.

To ensure the defendant returns for court appearances. (correct)

To punish the defendant before trial.

What determines if bail can be denied to a defendant?

Whether the defendant is considered a flight risk. (correct)

The duration of the trial.

The defendant's financial status.

The severity of the crime charged.

What does the burden of proof refer to in a criminal trial?

The judge's discretion in deciding the case.

The requirement for the defendant to present evidence.

The need for both sides to provide equal evidence.

The obligation of the prosecution to establish guilt. (correct)

What is the standard of proof required to establish guilt in a criminal trial?

Beyond a reasonable doubt. Signup and view all the answers

What does pretrial detention mean?

Holding a suspect in jail until trial. Signup and view all the answers

What is a plea bargain?

A negotiated agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a defendant does not appear in court after posting bail?

A bench warrant is issued for their arrest. Signup and view all the answers

What types of sentences can a judge impose after a guilty verdict?

Monetary fines, probation, or incarceration. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to offenders who have served their complete prison sentence and are flat timed?

They can return to life without parole conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How is the criminal justice system often metaphorically represented?

As a funnel that narrows with each step. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason people leave the criminal justice system before incarceration?

Police may choose to address a case informally. Signup and view all the answers

At which stage of the criminal justice process do the fewest cases remain?

Trial stage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of describing the criminal justice system as a funnel?

It demonstrates the reduction of cases processed. Signup and view all the answers

Who determines the defendant's sentence at the federal level?

The judge Signup and view all the answers

What does the court's probation office prepare to assist in sentencing?

The sentencing guideline report Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance may a federal court deviate from established sentencing guidelines?

In unusual circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an appeal in the context of trial court decisions?

To correct a legal error Signup and view all the answers

Who is referred to as the appellant in a legal appeal?

The party who files an appeal Signup and view all the answers

What is typically included in an appellant's brief?

Legal arguments and error claims Signup and view all the answers

Which court usually has the final word in a case unless further reviewed?

Federal courts of appeals Signup and view all the answers

What action is described by 'filing a petition for a writ of certiorari'?

Requesting a review by the Supreme Court Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of convicted offenders are incarcerated on any given day in the U.S.?

About 33% Signup and view all the answers

What is one purpose of the corrections system?

To protect the public by punishing or rehabilitating offenders Signup and view all the answers

What must an offender do to be released on parole?

Meet all parole conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which circumstances require the Supreme Court to hear an appeal?

When involving an important legal principle or conflicting interpretations Signup and view all the answers

What is one role of probation officers in the corrections system?

To supervise offenders and enforce sentence conditions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pretrial Detention

Suspects are typically released on bail, a financial guarantee ensuring court attendance.
Bail is not constitutionally guaranteed; the constitution protects against excessive bail requirements.
If deemed a flight risk, suspects can be denied bail and held in pretrial detention until trial.

Plea Bargaining

An agreement between the prosecution and the defendant where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or sentence.
A common practice, though controversial, due to its impact on the justice system.

Trial

The purpose is to determine the defendant's guilt based on evidence presented.
The American legal system is adversarial, with the prosecution proving guilt and the defense demonstrating innocence.
The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, requiring guilt to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sentencing

If the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty, a judge (or jury) imposes a sentence.
Possible sentences range from fines and probation to incarceration.
At the federal level, sentencing guidelines are used, but judges can depart from them in unusual circumstances.

Appeal

Trial court decisions can be appealed to higher courts to correct legal errors.
A successful appeal may result in a retrial or dismissal of charges.
The appellant must demonstrate a legal error that affected the outcome of the case.

Corrections

Public protection and rehabilitation of offenders are the primary goals of corrections.
The corrections system encompasses prisons, jails, probation, and parole.
The system is massive, with millions of Americans under correctional supervision.

Release from the System

Release can occur through parole with conditions or full completion of sentence.
Parole involves supervision and limitations placed on the offender.

The Criminal Justice Funnel

The system operates like a funnel, with fewer cases moving forward at each stage.
Cases may drop out due to informal resolution, prosecutorial decisions, or alternative sentencing options.

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Description

Test your knowledge on pretrial detention, plea bargaining, trials, and sentencing within the American legal system. This quiz covers key concepts and practices that shape the justice process. Prepare to explore the intricacies of each stage from arrest to sentencing.