Criminal Justice Parole Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the central premise of the strategy that favors containing and quarantining the criminal element?

Criminals can always be rehabilitated.

Criminals should always serve their full sentences.

Most criminals are not 'hardwired' for crime.

Society is safer when criminals are isolated from the general population. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a true characteristic of parole in Canada?

Rehabilitation of the offender.

Supervision of the offender.

Automatic granting when inmates become eligible. (correct)

Conditional release into the community.

According to the information provided, when does an offender become eligible for parole?

After serving at least two-thirds of their sentence.

After serving one third, or the first seven years of their sentence, whichever is less. (correct)

After demonstrating remorse for their crimes

After serving half of their sentence.

Which of the following is NOT a risk assessment factor considered by the National Parole Board?

The victim's desire for retribution (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a demonstrated benefit of parole compared to statutory release, according to the information provided?

Offenders on parole are less likely to breach conditions or commit new offenses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea behind the concept of deterrence in the context of crime?

Persuading people to avoid crime through the fear of punishment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of rehabilitation programs for offenders?

To reintegrate offenders as productive members of society. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a key principle of effective correctional intervention, according to Canadian researchers?

Targeting high-risk offenders with suitable interventions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What shift in penological thinking occurred in the late 20th century?

An increased emphasis on punishment through incarceration without proportionality (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the trend in the federal prison population in Canada between 1989-90 and 1994-95?

The population grew by 22%. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided information, how does spending on corrections compare to the crime rate in Canada?

Spending increased while the crime rate decreased. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'culture of control' primarily focused on in the context of corrections?

Minimizing risk through strategies like incarceration. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following demographics represents a significant portion of the incarcerated population in Canada based on the information provided?

Inmates with substance abuse problems. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The Canadian court system is best described as:

A dual system divided into provincial/territorial and federal courts, organized hierarchically. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the establishment of Aboriginal courts?

To give special considerations to the adverse background of Aboriginal offenders. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Aboriginal over-representation' refer to?

The disproportionately higher amount of Aboriginal people involved in the criminal justice system, compared to their general percentage in populace. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main way in which Canadian courts influence the law?

By 'testing' existing laws and setting a precedent by striking down unconstitutional laws. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of 'sentencing' defined as?

The judicial determination of a legal sanction after someone has been convicted for an offence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary goal of sentencing in Canada?

Retaliation (A) Signup and view all the answers

The fundamental principle of sentencing emphasizes:

That a sentence should be proportionate to the severity of the offense and the culpability of the offender. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an alternative to incarceration?

Both B and C are alternatives (B) Signup and view all the answers

Sentencing disparity refers to:

The variations in sentences handed down for similar offenses and offenders by different judges or by the same judge at different times. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of an unsystematic factor that can contribute to unwarranted sentencing disparity?

The mood of the judge on a particular day. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Canadian Court Systems

Canadian courts are divided into provincial/territorial and federal courts.
A hierarchical structure exists, with lower courts adhering to decisions made by higher courts.
The system includes the Supreme Court of Canada at the apex, followed by courts of appeal, superior courts, and various specialized courts (e.g., tax court, military courts).
Provincial/territorial administrative tribunals and federal administrative tribunals also exist within the system.

Aboriginal Courts

Aboriginal courts operate alongside the standard court system.
These courts aim to address the unique circumstances of Aboriginal offenders.
One objective is to reduce the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal people within the criminal justice system.

Aboriginal Over-Representation

This refers to the higher proportion of Aboriginal individuals involved in the criminal justice system compared to their representation in the overall Canadian population.
Statistics demonstrate a significant over-representation, particularly in the Prairie provinces.
Aboriginal individuals make up approximately 3% of the Canadian population but account for a significantly higher percentage of those admitted for remand.

Courts and Their Influence on Law

Courts have the authority to reinterpret and amend laws.
Constitutionality is the legal basis for challenging laws in court.
Since 2014, at least eight Canadian laws have been struck down due to constitutional concerns.
Examples include gun laws, prostitution laws, citizenship ceremonies, assisted suicide, time served sentencing, healthcare for refugees, and safe injection sites.

Sentencing

Sentencing is the formal judicial determination of a legal sanction for an offence.
Goals of sentencing include specific deterrence (affecting the individual offender), general deterrence (deterring others), denunciation (condemning the act), incapacitation (removing the offender from society), reparation (compensating victims), and rehabilitation (helping the offender).
Sentencing principles prioritize proportionality between the severity of the offense and the punishment.
Aggravating and mitigating factors should be considered.
Comparable sentences should be applied to similar offenders
Diversion (alternatives to incarceration) should be considered when appropriate.

Sentencing Options

Options include absolute or conditional discharge.
Probation, restitution, fines and community service, conditional sentences and imprisonment are alternative sanctions.

Sentencing Disparity

Sentencing disparity refers to variations in sentences given by different judges or even the same judge on different occasions for similar offences.
Unwarranted disparity arises from extra-legal considerations such as; judges’ personal beliefs; mood; or biases.

Goals of Sentencing

Deterrence aims to discourage future criminal behavior.
Rehabilitation seeks to reform offenders.
Recent research indicates a possible greater focus on rehabilitation than prior strategies.

Principles of Effective Correctional Intervention

Effective correctional interventions must consider and integrate need, risk, and responsivity principles.
Need principle focuses on targeting criminogenic needs of offenders.
Risk principle targets offenders at higher risk.
Responsivity principle tailors intervention to the individual's learning style and characteristics.

Culture of Control

Historic penology emphasized rehabilitation.
Current approaches increasingly focus on incapacitation.
This shift has led to higher incarceration rates in Canada.

Incarceration in Canada

Federal prison population increased by 22% between 1989-90 and 1994-95.
Average provincial prison population grew by 12% during the same period.
High incarceration rates are linked to increased violent crime, particularly in Canada in the 1990s.
Incarceration rates differ significantly among Canadian provinces and globally.

Mini Essay - Bill C-83

The Liberal government introduced Bill C-83 to modify the previous conservative governments more punitive prison regulations ("tough on crime").
The bill aimed to mitigate more punitive measures.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the central concepts of parole in Canada. This quiz covers eligibility, characteristics, and risk assessment factors used by the National Parole Board. Dive into the advantages of parole and its strategic implications in criminal justice.