Criminal Justice System Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary duties of local police agencies according to the acronym PEPPAS?

  • Regulating state laws
  • Protecting life and property (correct)
  • Conducting federal investigations
  • Formulating national security policies
  • What distinguishes sheriffs from local police chiefs in terms of their positions?

  • Sheriffs are appointed by the mayor.
  • Sheriffs are elected to their positions. (correct)
  • Sheriffs operate only at the federal level.
  • Sheriffs do not have any deputies.
  • Which of the following best describes the focus of duties for state police agencies?

  • Conducting community outreach programs.
  • Investigating crimes on a national scale.
  • Enforcing federal laws exclusively.
  • Addressing violations within the state. (correct)
  • Which level of law enforcement is responsible for the majority of policing in America?

    <p>Local police agencies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common responsibility of federal agents?

    <p>Managing immigration and border security. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of prosecutors?

    <p>Prosecuting violations of criminal law (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do prosecutors play in the criminal justice system?

    <p>Negotiating plea bargains (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of defendants hire their own private attorney?

    <p>20% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about defense attorneys is correct?

    <p>They ensure defendants understand their options. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant characteristic of prosecutors in the court system?

    <p>They are elected to local office. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'mortification' refer to in the context of total institutions?

    <p>The loss of personal identity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT one of the five pains of imprisonment as described by Gresham Sykes?

    <p>Deprivation of resources. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes 'grass eaters' from 'meat eaters' in the context of police corruption?

    <p>Grass eaters accept illegal benefits passively, whereas meat eaters aggressively solicit illegal favors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which level of police corruption involves individual officers participating in corrupt activities independently?

    <p>Rotten apples (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is probation often considered in relation to a prison sentence?

    <p>A suspended sentence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of federal officers in the Department of Justice after 9/11?

    <p>Investigating federal crimes both domestically and internationally (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of an immediate sanction developed for community corrections?

    <p>Halfway houses. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of total institutions most significantly impacts an inmate's daily routine?

    <p>Institutional control over daily life. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of corruption is characterized by a widespread pattern of illegal activity supported by many officers, making it synonymous with the agency's culture?

    <p>Pervasive unorganized corruption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the ethical foundation of policing according to the content provided?

    <p>A set of moral thoughts and ideas about right conduct (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a gratuity in the context of policing?

    <p>An officer getting free meals due to their position (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a form of police corruption as outlined?

    <p>Community support programs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key difference between 'rotten apples' and 'rotten pockets'?

    <p>Rotten apples do not collaborate, whereas rotten pockets involve teamwork. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between probation and parole?

    <p>Probation allows individuals to remain free while serving their sentence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major challenge in implementing rehabilitation programs in jails?

    <p>The changing population of inmates. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a prison compared to a jail?

    <p>Prisons are designed for long-term confinement and rehabilitation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contributes to the public's limited understanding of correctional agencies?

    <p>The invisibility of correctional policies to the public. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which purpose did jails serve in the colonial era?

    <p>Holding individuals awaiting trial or punishment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of correctional institutions that emerged in the 19th century in America?

    <p>They developed as a formal punitive response to crime. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it difficult for the public to engage in meaningful conversations about correctional policy?

    <p>The operational details of corrections are often hidden from public view. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about jails is accurate?

    <p>Most individuals in jail have not been convicted of a crime. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a grand jury?

    <p>To serve as a check on prosecutorial power (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must happen during an arraignment?

    <p>The defendant enters a formal plea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes discovery in a criminal case?

    <p>Both parties exchange relevant information about the case (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common method for resolving criminal cases?

    <p>Plea bargaining (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a motion to suppress?

    <p>A request to exclude certain evidence from trial (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do juveniles not have the right to in a criminal case?

    <p>A speedy trial (B), A jury trial (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding the environment of a preliminary hearing?

    <p>It is held in open court before a judge (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of voir dire in jury selection?

    <p>To screen out biased potential jurors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical composition of a criminal jury in most states?

    <p>12 jurors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of evidence does the prosecution have an obligation to disclose to the defense?

    <p>Exculpatory evidence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Levels of US Law Enforcement

    US law enforcement is organized into three levels: local, state, and federal.

    Local Police Duties

    Local police agencies typically focus on protecting life and property, enforcing laws, preventing crime, keeping the peace, arresting criminals, and serving communities.

    Sheriff's Role

    Sheriffs, elected officials, are often part of local law enforcement and may perform court duties, unlike local police chiefs.

    State Police Mandate

    State police agencies focus on state-level laws and can investigate crimes throughout the state, frequently focusing on road-related crimes or issues.

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    Federal Agencies

    Federal law enforcement agencies are often part of Homeland Security, though other federal departments may also have their own policing elements.

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    Department of Justice's Role

    Enforces federal law, investigating federal crimes, including those crossing state lines or affecting national security.

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    Police Corruption

    Misuse of police authority for personal gain.

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    Rotten Apples

    Individual police officers engaging in corrupt activities without others knowing.

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    Rotten Pockets

    A small group of officers working together in corrupt activity.

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    Pervasive Unorganized Corruption

    Many "rotten apples" engaging in corruption, becoming typical of a police agency.

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    Pervasive Organized Corruption

    Highly organized, including many officers in corrupt activity, usually the worst type.

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    Grass Eaters

    Police officers who accept illegal benefits passively.

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    Meat Eaters

    Police officers who aggressively solicit and obtain illegal favors.

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    Who are prosecutors?

    Prosecutors are responsible for bringing criminal charges against individuals accused of violating the law. They work in county offices and are often called district attorneys (DAs).

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    What does a lead prosecutor do?

    The lead prosecutor, elected by the county, oversees a staff of lawyers who handle criminal cases in court.

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    Prosecutors' discretion

    Prosecutors have significant power to decide who to charge, what offenses to charge, and whether to accept plea bargains.

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    Defense attorneys' role

    Defense attorneys represent individuals accused of crimes, ensuring their rights are protected, advising them on their options, and preparing a strong defense.

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    Private vs. appointed attorneys

    Defendants with financial means can hire private attorneys, while those who cannot afford it are assigned a public defender.

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    Preliminary Hearing

    A court proceeding where a judge reviews evidence to determine if there's enough to move forward with a trial.

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    Grand Jury

    A group of citizens that reviews evidence to decide if there's enough to formally accuse someone of a crime.

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    Indictment

    A formal accusation of a crime issued by a grand jury.

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    Arraignment

    A formal court proceeding where the defendant is read the charges and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.

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    Discovery

    The process of exchanging relevant information about a case between the prosecution and the defense.

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    Exculpatory Evidence

    Evidence that could help the defendant by showing their innocence or reducing their guilt.

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    Plea Bargaining

    A deal between the defendant and the prosecution where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence.

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    Motion to Suppress

    A request to the judge to exclude certain evidence from being used at trial.

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    Speedy Trial Right

    The constitutional right to a trial that happens promptly.

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    Jury Selection

    The process of choosing the group of people who will listen to the evidence and decide the verdict.

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    Probation vs. Parole

    Probation is a court-ordered alternative to prison where you remain in the community, while parole is a supervised release from prison.

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    Essential Tension of Invisibility

    The public's lack of awareness about the correctional system creates a gap in understanding and meaningful conversations about its policies.

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    Correctional Facility Types

    Correctional institutions are secure facilities that house individuals accused or convicted of crimes. These include jails (short-term, county-operated) and prisons (long-term, state or federal).

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    Jail vs. Prison

    Jail is a short-term facility for defendants awaiting trial or serving short sentences, while prison is a long-term facility for those convicted of crimes.

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    Jail Population

    People in jail often haven't been convicted of a crime, are waiting for trial, cannot afford bail, or are serving short sentences.

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    Rehabilitation in Jail

    Rehabilitation programs in jails are often difficult to implement due to the high turnover of the inmate population.

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    Purpose of Early Correctional Institutions

    In the early days, jails were used to hold those awaiting trial, punishment, or those unable to pay debts, not as the primary form of punishment.

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    Correctional Models in 19th Century

    Three main models of correctional institutions emerged in the 19th century in America.

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    Total Institution

    A place where individuals are isolated from the outside world and their lives are tightly controlled by the institution. This control extends to all aspects of daily life, including what they eat, wear, and do.

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    Mortification

    The process by which individuals in a total institution lose their sense of personal identity and are stripped of their individual characteristics.

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    Pains of Imprisonment

    The five negative experiences that inmates face in a total institution, as described by Gresham Sykes. These include deprivation of liberty, goods & services, heterosexual relationships, autonomy, and security.

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    Probation

    A form of punishment that allows an offender to remain in the community instead of going to prison, under the supervision of a probation officer and subject to specific conditions.

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    Immediate Sanctions

    Correctional alternatives that are used as a response to violations of probation or parole, ranging from boot camps to electronic monitoring, with a focus on stricter supervision and potentially higher consequences.

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    Study Notes

    Core Concepts of US Policing

    • There are three levels of law enforcement: Local, State, and Federal.
    • Local agencies primarily handle protecting life and property, enforcing criminal law, preventing crime, preserving peace, and serving the community. Frequently, Sheriffs' departments are tasked with court duties alongside local police.
    • State police agencies handle state-level criminal activity, often focused on road crime. They have statewide jurisdiction.
    • Federal agencies enforce federal laws, including inter-state crimes. They often focus on national security issues.

    Ethical Issues in Policing

    • Ethics concern moral principles for determining appropriate actions.
    • Police corruption is a misuse of authority, often for personal gain. Types include "rotten apples" (individual corruption), "rotten pockets" (team/coordinated corruption), pervasive unorganized corruption (widely spread), and pervasive organized corruption (deeply embedded).
    • "Grass eaters" passively accept benefits, "meat eaters" aggressively seek them out. Misuse of authority can occur in various ways.

    Levels of Corruption

    • Corruption is a significant issue impacting policing.
    • Rotten apples: individuals acting corruptly without the knowledge of other officers.
    • Rotten pockets: officers working together corruptly.
    • Pervasive unorganized corruption: when several officers corrupt themselves to a degree where it becomes a prominent part of agency culture.
    • Pervasive organized corruption: officers working together deliberately.

    The Police, Public, and Legitimacy

    • Police legitimacy is trust of the public in the police and their practices.
    • Perceptions of police legitimacy are directly linked to public perception of the police, public trust, and the police use of force.

    Strategies to Improve Police-Community Relations

    • Methods to improve police-community relations include body-worn cameras, community communication, and verbal de-escalation skills.

    Myths About Policing

    • Misconceptions about policing include myths about the number of police officers affecting crime rates, patrol deterrence, response time in investigations, and the role of investigators.

    Community-Oriented Policing

    • This approach focuses on partnerships between police and communities.

    Core Concepts of the U.S. Court Systems

    • Adjudication is the legal process resolving disputes.
    • Jurisdiction describes the authority of a court.
    • There are multiple forms of court jurisdiction in the US system; hierarchal, subject matter, and geographic.

    The Courtroom Workgroup

    • The courtroom workgroup encompasses the judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney.

    Judges, Prosecutors, and Defense Attorneys

    • Judges act as referees in trials.
    • Prosecutors present the case against the accused.
    • Defense Attorneys' represent accused in providing the best defense and exploring possible plea agreements.

    Criminal Pretrial Processes

    • Charging, initial appearance, arraignment, discovery, plea bargaining, pretrial motions are different stages of a criminal prosecution.

    Criminal Trial Processes

    • A trial is where an accused person is evaluated and ruled either guilty or not guilty by a jury or judge. The U.S. legal system includes various procedures to ensure a fair trial.

    The Scope and Purpose of American Corrections

    • Correctional agencies implement criminal sentences, from probation to execution.
    • The contemporary correctional system faces a tension between goals of offender reform and other objectives like rehabilitation, retribution, deterrence, incapacitation and restitution.

    Four Essential Tensions Underlying Correctional Philosophy and Policy

    • Correctional policy is influenced by diverse objectives and funding/resources.
    • Essential tensions in corrections relate to finance, research considerations, discretion, and invisibility.

    History & Practice of Institutional Correction

    • History of correctional facilities in the U.S. includes different punishment models such as the solitary system, congregate system, and prison farms.
    • Current practice in correctional institutions involves various correctional alternatives including probation, parole, halfway houses, and electronic monitoring.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the various roles and responsibilities within the criminal justice system, including the functions of local police, state police, prosecutors, and more. This quiz will also cover aspects of police corruption and the impacts of imprisonment. Dive into these critical concepts and see how well you understand the system!

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