Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of an Appellate Court?
What does the Bureau of Justice Statistics primarily focus on?
Which legal system relies heavily on judicial decisions?
What does Dual Court System refer to?
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How is 'Due Process' best defined?
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In the context of justice systems, what does 'Effectiveness' refer to?
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Which branch of government is responsible for the enforcement of laws?
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What does 'Fairness' in the justice system primarily address?
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What is the primary function of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure?
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Which concept refers to the inability of very young children to form a culpable mental state?
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What does the term 'Judiciary' refer to?
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Which of the following represents an argument highlighting conflicts within the criminal justice system?
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What type of agreement involves a defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge?
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What are the three branches of government established by the Constitution?
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What does 'unconstitutional' mean?
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Which term describes elements designed to address lawbreaking by minors?
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Study Notes
Appellate Court
- A court that reviews and hears cases from trial courts for a second evaluation.
Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
- Collects, analyzes, and disseminates data on crime, offenders, and victimization.
Code
- A structured compilation of laws organized by specific subjects.
Common Law
- Legal system originating in England, heavily based on judicial decisions and precedents.
Congress of the United States
- The legislative branch consisting of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.
Constitution
- A fundamental document outlining the principles governing a nation or state.
Criminal Code
- Segment of the United States Code or individual state codes that addresses criminal law.
Judicial Decisions
- Written opinions from appellate courts that serve as binding law in common law jurisdictions.
Dual Court System
- Characterizes the U.S. legal framework as comprised of both state and federal courts.
Dual Federalism
- National and state governments operate independently with distinct powers.
Due Process
- Constitutional protection ensuring fair treatment of defendants in the justice system.
Effectiveness
- Measure of how justice system activities uphold equity, proportionality, and defendant rights while maintaining public safety.
Efficiency
- Utilization of resources to achieve legal goals and enhance public safety economically.
Executive Branch
- Government branch responsible for enforcing laws and managing public affairs.
Fairness
- Focus on equal treatment of offenders and balanced considerations during sentencing.
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
- Regulations established by the Supreme Court governing federal criminal prosecutions.
Hierarchical
- Describes an organizational structure where elements are ranked by importance or authority.
Infancy Defense
- Legal doctrine asserting that very young children cannot have a culpable mental state, protecting them from prosecution.
Judicial Review
- Authority of the Supreme Court to assess the constitutionality of legislative acts.
Judiciary
- The collective court system of a country or state, encompassing judges and their roles.
Juvenile Justice
- Legal provisions aimed at addressing offenses committed by individuals below the adult age threshold.
Legislature
- Elected body with constitutional power to enact laws, such as Congress.
Nonsystem Argument
- Perspective that highlights the conflict among components of the criminal justice system, suggesting a lack of cohesive operation.
Penal Code
- Collection of laws defining crimes and associated penalties, relevant to substantive criminal law.
Plea Bargain
- Agreement where a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for more lenient sentencing.
Procedural Due Process
- Concept ensuring fairness in the treatment of individuals within the criminal justice system.
SCOTUS
- Abbreviation for the Supreme Court of the United States, the nation's highest court.
Three Branches of Government
- The U.S. government consists of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches as established by the Constitution.
Unconstitutional
- Actions or laws that violate the provisions set forth in the U.S. Constitution or state constitutions.
United States Supreme Court
- The apex court in the U.S., consisting of eight associate justices and one chief justice.
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Description
Explore the essential concepts surrounding appellate courts, including their function, as well as the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the common law system. This quiz provides insights into how these legal frameworks operate within the justice system and their significance in the United States.
