Criminal Justice System Overview
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Questions and Answers

What fundamental right must suspects be informed of before custodial interrogation?

  • Right to public defense
  • Right to a jury trial
  • Right to remain silent (correct)
  • Right to appeal

What does actus reus refer to in criminal law?

  • Legal representation
  • Guilty act or conduct (correct)
  • Circumstantial evidence
  • Intent to commit a crime

What is the primary focus of specific deterrence?

  • Discouraging individual offenders (correct)
  • Imposing heavier penalties for serious crimes
  • Preventing future crimes in general
  • Rehabilitating juvenile delinquents

What landmark case established the requirement for informing suspects of their rights?

<p>Miranda v. Arizona (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does judicial review allow courts to do?

<p>Declare laws unconstitutional (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the Pennsylvania prison system?

<p>Solitary confinement for reflection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What Supreme Court case highlighted the issue of medical care for prisoners?

<p>Estelle v. Gamble (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence of general deterrence in the criminal justice system?

<p>Discouragement of future criminals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three traditional components of the criminal justice system?

<p>Law enforcement, Courts, Corrections (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is dual federalism?

<p>Power divided between federal and state governments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

<p>Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, felonies are more serious crimes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the police act as 'gatekeepers' in the criminal justice system?

<p>They initiate the formal criminal justice process (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Miranda v. Arizona (1966) for law enforcement?

<p>It required police to inform suspects of their rights (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes general deterrence from specific deterrence in crime control?

<p>General deterrence aims to prevent crime by the public, while specific deterrence aims to prevent repeat offenses by individuals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms actus reus and mens rea refer to in the context of proving a crime?

<p>The act of wrongdoing and the mental state during the act (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'prisoner's rights'?

<p>Prisoners have rights that must be honored even while incarcerated (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of restorative justice compared to traditional criminal justice practices?

<p>Repairing harm caused by criminal behavior (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory of punishment seeks to prevent future crimes by discouraging offenders from reoffending?

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

What challenge arises when balancing individual rights with public safety in the context of terrorism?

<p>Duty to protect national security (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following refers to the standard of proof required for a criminal conviction?

<p>Beyond a reasonable doubt (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Supreme Court role significantly influences criminal justice policy?

<p>Interpreting the Constitution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common ethical dilemma faced by law enforcement officers?

<p>Deciding when to use force (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of community corrections?

<p>To provide alternatives to incarceration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Actus Reus' refer to in legal terms?

<p>The guilty act or conduct constituting a crime (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mens rea' refer to in criminal law?

<p>The guilty mind or intent required for a criminal conviction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'double jeopardy'?

<p>Being tried twice for the same offense (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the grand jury in the criminal justice system?

<p>To determine if there is enough evidence to indict a suspect (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'incapacitation' aim to achieve within the context of punishment?

<p>Removal of offenders from society to prevent further crime (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of defenses in criminal law, what does 'duress' imply?

<p>The defendant was forced to commit a crime (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'felony'?

<p>A serious crime typically punishable by imprisonment for a year or more (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'deterrence' in the context of criminal justice?

<p>Using punishment to prevent future crime (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'judicial review' empower courts to do?

<p>Declare laws or government actions unconstitutional (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a plea bargain in the criminal justice system?

<p>To facilitate a guilty plea in exchange for a reduced charge or sentence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes police brutality?

<p>Excessive or unjustified use of force by law enforcement officers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'probable cause' refer to in legal contexts?

<p>A reasonable belief that a crime has been committed or evidence exists. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as a status offense?

<p>An act that is illegal only for juveniles, such as truancy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do sentencing guidelines specify?

<p>The appropriate range of punishments for different crimes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of rehabilitation in the context of criminal justice?

<p>To reform offenders and reintegrate them into society. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a search warrant?

<p>A court order permitting law enforcement to search a specified location for evidence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does retribution focus on in terms of punishment?

<p>Imposing a punishment that is proportionate to the crime committed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Miranda Rights

The principle that suspects must be informed of their constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel, before being interrogated while in police custody.

General Deterrence

A type of deterrence that aims to prevent future crime by making examples of the offender punished.

Specific Deterrence

A type of deterrence that aims to prevent future crime by an individual offender, based on their own experience of punishment.

Judicial Review

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

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Actus Reus

The guilty act or conduct that constitutes a crime.

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Mens Rea

The guilty mind or intent of the perpetrator of a crime.

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Pennsylvania System

A prison system emphasizing solitary confinement and reflection for penitence.

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Auburn System

A prison system where inmates work silently together during the day but are isolated at night.

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What are the three main components of the criminal justice system and their roles?

Law enforcement investigates crimes, apprehends suspects, and maintains order. Courts adjudicate cases, determine guilt, and impose sentences. Corrections supervise and incarcerate offenders with the goal of rehabilitation and reintegration.

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What is dual federalism and how does it affect the criminal justice system?

Dual federalism divides power between federal and state governments. In criminal justice, it means both levels have their own laws, agencies, and courts, leading to complexity and overlapping jurisdictions.

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What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony? Give examples.

A misdemeanor is a less serious crime with a shorter possible sentence, often fines or less than a year in jail. Examples are petty theft, vandalism, and public intoxication. A felony is more serious, with potential for years of imprisonment. Examples include murder, robbery, and arson.

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Why are the police considered 'gatekeepers' in the criminal justice system?

The police are the 'gatekeepers' because they initiate the formal criminal justice process. They decide whether to ignore, warn, cite, or arrest a suspect, shaping the flow of cases into the system.

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What was the significance of Miranda v. Arizona (1966) for law enforcement?

Miranda v. Arizona (1966) established the requirement that suspects must be informed of their 5th Amendment rights (to remain silent and to have an attorney) before being interrogated. This protects individuals from self-incrimination.

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What is the difference between general and specific deterrence?

General deterrence aims to discourage crime in the general population by creating fear of punishment. Specific deterrence focuses on preventing recidivism (re-offending) in an individual offender by deterring them through punishment.

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Explain judicial review and its relevance to criminal justice.

Judicial review is the power of the courts to review laws and determine if they are constitutional. It impacts criminal justice by ensuring laws are fair and consistent with the fundamental rights of citizens.

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What are actus reus and mens rea, and why are they crucial in criminal law?

Actus reus is the guilty act - the physical act of committing the crime. Mens rea is the guilty mind - the mental state of the accused during the act. Both must be proven to establish criminal liability.

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Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The standard of proof required for a criminal conviction. The prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the jury must be convinced that there is no reasonable doubt about the defendant's guilt.

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Bail

Money or property deposited with the court to guarantee a defendant's appearance at trial. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail is forfeited.

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Bench Warrant

A court order for the arrest of a person who has failed to appear in court. If the person is not found, a bench warrant may result in further legal action.

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Bifurcated Trial

A trial that is divided into two phases, typically a guilt phase and a sentencing phase. In the guilt phase, the jury determines whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. In the sentencing phase, the jury or judge decides on the appropriate punishment.

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Burden of Proof

The obligation to present evidence to support a claim. In criminal cases, the burden of proof rests on the prosecution.

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Civil Law

The body of law that governs private disputes between individuals or organizations. It deals with issues like contracts, property, and personal injury.

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Discretion

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

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Double Jeopardy

The constitutional protection against being tried twice for the same offense.

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Duress

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

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Grand Jury

A group of citizens that determines whether there is enough evidence to indict a suspect.

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Incapacitation

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

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Insanity Defense

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

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Jurisdiction

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

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Juvenile Justice System

The system of courts and agencies that handles cases involving minors.

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Plea Bargain

An agreement where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a lesser charge or sentence.

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Police Brutality

Excessive or unjustified use of force by law enforcement officers.

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Precedent

A previously decided case that serves as a guide for future cases.

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Pretrial Detention

Holding a defendant in jail before trial.

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Probable Cause

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

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Probation

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

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Restitution

Payment by an offender to a victim to compensate for losses.

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Retribution

The theory that punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed.

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Study Notes

Criminal Justice System Components

  • Three traditional components: law enforcement, courts, and corrections
  • Law enforcement investigates crimes, apprehends suspects, and maintains order
  • Courts adjudicate cases, determine guilt/innocence, and impose sentences
  • Corrections supervise and incarcerate convicted offenders, aiming for rehabilitation and reintegration into society

Dual Federalism

  • Power divided between federal and state governments
  • In criminal justice, both levels have their own laws, agencies, and courts
  • Often results in overlapping jurisdictions and complexities

Misdemeanor vs. Felony

  • Misdemeanor: Less serious crime, punishable by fines or jail time less than a year (e.g., petty theft, vandalism, public intoxication)
  • Felony: More serious crime, punishable by imprisonment for a year or more (e.g., murder, robbery, arson)

Police as Gatekeepers

  • Police initiate the formal criminal justice process
  • Decide whether to ignore, warn, cite, or arrest suspected individuals
  • Shape the flow of cases into the system

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

  • Landmark case requiring suspects to be informed of their constitutional rights, including right to remain silent and right to counsel, before custodial interrogation
  • Significantly impacted police procedures and safeguards for suspects' rights

Deterrence Strategies

  • General deterrence: Aims to prevent crime by making examples of those punished
  • Specific deterrence: Targets individuals already punished to discourage future criminal activity

Judicial Review

  • Power of the courts to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional
  • Ensures laws and procedures adhere to constitutional rights

Actus Reus and Mens Rea

  • Actus reus: Guilty act or conduct that constitutes a crime
  • Mens rea: Guilty mind or intent
  • Both are crucial elements in proving a crime as they establish that the individual committed the act with necessary intent

Prison Systems (Pennsylvania and Auburn)

  • Pennsylvania system: Emphasized solitary confinement and reflection for penitence
  • Auburn system (Congregate system): Inmates worked silently together during the day but were isolated at night

Prisoner's Rights

  • Incarcerated individuals retain certain constitutional rights, though some may be limited due to security concerns
  • Estelle v. Gamble (1976): Established that deliberate indifference to an inmate's serious medical needs violates the Eighth Amendment, ensuring basic medical care for prisoners

Plea Bargaining

  • Advantages: Efficiency, resolving cases quickly, reducing trial backlog
  • Disadvantages: May affect fairness by potentially influencing decisions or outcome, and the victim might feel that their rights are being overlooked, especially when there is no punishment or restitution.

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Description

This quiz covers the main components of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. It also explores key concepts such as dual federalism and the differences between misdemeanors and felonies. Test your knowledge on how these elements interact within the justice process.

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