Criminal Justice System Chapter 3

Questions and Answers

What is adjudication?

The process of determining whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

What does arrest mean?

The physical taking of a person into custody on the grounds that probable cause exists to believe they have committed a criminal offense.

What is discretion in the context of the criminal justice system?

The authority to make decisions without reference to specific rules or facts, using one's own judgment.

What is discrimination?

Differential treatment based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or economic status. Signup and view all the answers

What does disparity refer to in the criminal justice context?

The unequal treatment of members of one demographic group compared to other groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dual court system?

A system based on separate judicial systems for each state and a national court system. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by an exchange in criminal justice?

A mutual transfer of resources involving a balance of benefits and deficits. Signup and view all the answers

What is Federalism?

A system of government in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the filtering process in criminal justice?

A process by which criminal justice officials screen out some cases while advancing others. Signup and view all the answers

What is an indictment?

A document returned by a grand jury charging an individual with a specific crime. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an information document?

It charges an individual with a specific crime prepared by a prosecuting attorney. Signup and view all the answers

What is a plea bargain?

A defendant's plea of guilty with the expectation of receiving some consideration from the state. Signup and view all the answers

What is a system?

A complex whole consisting of interdependent parts directed toward goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a warrant?

A court order authorizing police officers to take certain actions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the goals of the criminal justice system?

Doing justice, controlling crime, and preventing crime. Signup and view all the answers

How is the administration of criminal justice a system?

It consists of different organizations working together toward common goals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 13 steps in the criminal justice decision-making process?

Investigation, arrest, booking, charging, initial appearance, preliminary hearing/grand jury, indictment/information, arraignment, trial, sentencing, appeal, corrections, and release. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the criminal justice system wedding cake a better depiction of reality?

It shows differences in treating various cases based on specific factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the challenge of criminal justice in a multicultural society?

Racial equality when it comes to sentencing and arresting criminals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms and Definitions

Adjudication: Process of determining a defendant’s guilt or innocence.
Arrest: Taking an individual into custody based on probable cause of a criminal offense; only reasonable force is permitted, aimed at holding the accused for court proceedings.
Discretion: Authority to make decisions based on personal judgment rather than strict rules, allowing for individualized justice.
Discrimination: Differential treatment based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or economic status rather than individual behavior or qualifications.
Disparity: Unequal treatment of demographic groups within the criminal justice system compared to others.
Dual Court System: Separate judicial system for each state alongside a national court system, with cases tried in the jurisdiction where laws were allegedly broken.
Exchange: A mutual transfer of resources where the balance of benefits and deficits influences decisions about alternatives.
Federalism: Government system dividing power between central (national) and regional (state) authorities.
Filtering Process: Screening process by criminal justice officials that advances some cases while discarding others.
Indictment: Document from a grand jury charging an individual with a crime based on probable cause.
Information: Document charging an individual with a crime, prepared by a prosecuting attorney for a preliminary hearing.
Plea Bargain: Agreement where a defendant pleads guilty with the expectation of a lesser penalty or reduced charges.
System: A complex entity made up of interdependent parts working toward shared goals and affected by environmental factors.
Warrant: Court order permitting police to arrest suspects or search premises.

Goals and Processes

Goals of the Criminal Justice System: Focus on achieving justice, controlling crime, and preventing future criminal activities.
Criminal Justice as a System: Coordination of various organizations working together ensures the administration of justice functions effectively.

Criminal Justice Decision-Making Process

Thirteen Steps:
- Investigation
- Arrest
- Booking
- Charging
- Initial appearance
- Preliminary hearing/Grand jury
- Indictment/Information
- Arraignment
- Trial
- Sentencing
- Appeal
- Corrections
- Release

Models of Justice

Wedding Cake Model: More accurately represents the criminal justice system by highlighting variations in case treatment based on unique circumstances, unlike the simplistic 13-step model.

Challenges in a Multicultural Society

Racial Equality in Justice: Addressing disparities in sentencing and arrest practices across different racial and ethnic groups remains a significant challenge for the criminal justice system.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key terms related to crime and the criminal justice system with these flashcards from Chapter 3. This quiz covers important concepts like adjudication and arrest. Perfect for students studying law or criminal justice.