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Questions and Answers
The Juvenile Court Movement in the United States began in the early Eighteenth Century.
False
Early reformers believed that children were fundamentally good, which justified their separation from the adult justice system.
True
The juvenile court system was established to pursue punitive measures similar to those used for adults.
False
The new perspective on adolescence in the late Nineteenth Century led to similar methods of dealing with both youths and adults who committed crimes.
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The state was thought to have a duty to step in as a parent when the biological parents could not control their wayward children.
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Discretion in the criminal justice system is solely beneficial for promoting fairness and justice.
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The infancy defense in common law applies to children under the age of seven.
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Individual rights cannot conflict with public safety in a democratic society.
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Discretion allows criminal justice professionals to tailor their decisions to specific situations.
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With the onset of the 19th century, children were increasingly viewed as fully developed individuals under the law.
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Police officers exercising discretion may potentially engage in racial profiling.
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Prosecutors have no discretion in the decisions regarding charges in the criminal justice system.
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Historically, children could face imprisonment and even death after the age of seven without the option of an infancy defense.
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Study Notes
Individual Rights in a Democracy
- Individual rights protect citizens from government overreach and ensure fundamental freedoms.
- These rights are essential for a functioning democracy, as they allow for free expression, political participation, and the pursuit of personal goals.
- Individual rights can be challenged when they conflict with public safety, such as when speech incites violence or when the right to privacy is balanced against national security.
- Legal systems vary in the extent to which they prioritize individual rights.
- Some legal systems place a strong emphasis on individual rights, while others prioritize public safety and order.
- The balance between individual rights and public safety is an ongoing debate in many countries.
Discretion in the Criminal Justice System
- Discretion allows professionals to adapt to individual situations and make decisions that best serve the public interest.
- It can lead to bias and unequal treatment if not exercised responsibly.
- Discretion given to police officers can contribute to over-policing and racial bias.
- Prosecutors' discretion can be used to advance political agendas or target specific groups disproportionately.
- Criminal justice professionals need to exercise discretion with transparency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.
Historical Treatment of Children in the Criminal Justice System
- Children were historically treated as adults and faced the same punishments, including imprisonment and death.
- The Juvenile Court Movement arose in the late 19th century to recognize the unique needs of children.
- This movement advocated for a separate justice system focused on rehabilitation and treatment rather than punishment.
- The juvenile justice system emphasizes the "best interests of the child" and provides a distinct framework for dealing with youth crime.
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Description
Explore the complex relationship between individual rights and the criminal justice system. This quiz examines how individual freedoms influence legal decisions and the ongoing debate between rights and public safety. Test your knowledge on the impact of discretion in law enforcement and the judiciary.
