Legal Theories Exam Review

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Questions and Answers

In the context of legal and social change, what is the crucial relationship between institutionalization and internalization?

  • Neither institutionalization nor internalization is relevant to achieving real social change.
  • Both institutionalization and internalization are necessary for real change to occur. (correct)
  • Institutionalization is sufficient for real change, while internalization only reinforces existing norms.
  • Internalization is sufficient for real change, while institutionalization merely provides a framework.

Which of the following best describes the role of a lawyer in relation to their client's decisions, considering ethical considerations?

  • The lawyer's role is purely administrative, executing whatever tasks the client requests.
  • The lawyer should drive all decisions, using their legal expertise to determine the best course of action.
  • The lawyer should inform and advise the client, but the client should ultimately drive the decisions. (correct)
  • A lawyer should always follow the client's instructions without question, ensuring zealous representation.

What is the primary aim of the voir dire process in jury selection?

  • To educate potential jurors about the relevant laws and procedures.
  • To select jurors who are most likely to support a particular side in the case.
  • To eliminate potential jurors who may be biased or impartial. (correct)
  • To ensure the jury consists of individuals with prior legal experience.

How might a judge using Critical Legal Studies theory view a law that is technically applicable but seemingly inappropriate for a specific case?

<p>The judge would consider the indeterminacy of law and potentially use their discretion to avoid an unjust outcome, even if it means stretching the interpretation of the law. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of understanding why laws are made, which of the following perspectives considers the influence of powerful groups and their ability to shape legislation to serve their interests?

<p>Conflict perspective (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when determining whether to legislate against 'victimless crimes'?

<p>Whether the activities directly harm identifiable victims and infringe upon individual liberties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When choosing between alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms like negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, what is a crucial factor to consider regarding the parties involved?

<p>Whether the parties are one-shotters or repeat players, as repeat players may have different goals and resources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Legal Positivism generally view the relationship between law and morality?

<p>Law and morality are distinct; a law's validity does not depend on its moral content. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best captures the essence of consensus theory in the context of law and society?

<p>Law reflects the shared values and beliefs of a society and serves to maintain social order. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a central tenet of Legal Realism?

<p>Law is ultimately shaped by the subjective interpretations and biases of judges. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In applying Herbert Packer's models, what is a key distinction between the 'due process' model and the 'crime control' model?

<p>The due process model emphasizes individual rights and procedural safeguards, while the crime control model prioritizes efficient suppression of crime. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to conflict theory, how does law contribute to social inequality?

<p>By reflecting the values and interests of the dominant groups in society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'indeterminacy' in the context of Critical Legal Studies?

<p>The concept that legal rules are inherently contradictory and can be interpreted in multiple ways. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Feminist Legal Theory?

<p>Examining the law from a gendered perspective and advocating for gender equality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of dispute resolution, what is 'med-arb'?

<p>A hybrid process where a mediator attempts to facilitate a settlement, but if that fails, they become an arbitrator and make a binding decision. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental proposition of Critical Race Theory?

<p>Race is a social construct, and racism is embedded in legal systems and institutions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Sociolegal Theory?

<p>The relationship between law and society, including how law shapes and is shaped by social forces. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'moral entrepreneur' perspective explain the creation of laws?

<p>Laws are driven by individuals or groups who crusade for particular moral reforms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential drawback of discretion in law enforcement?

<p>It can lead to inconsistent application of the law and potential discrimination. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the debate surrounding the causes and effects of the 'litigation explosion'?

<p>What exactly is causing increasing amount of lawsuits and what result does it bring. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Consensus Theory

Views law as reflecting shared values; emphasizes social stability and cooperation.

Conflict Theory

Views law as a tool used by powerful groups to maintain their privilege and control.

Due Process Model

Focuses on individual rights and procedural fairness, prioritizing accuracy and minimizing wrongful convictions.

Crime Control Model

Emphasizes efficiency, speed, and finality in the criminal justice process, prioritizing punishment and deterrence.

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Sociolegal Theory

Examines the relationship between law and society, including how social factors influence legal decisions and vice versa.

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Legal Positivism

Asserts that law is a human creation and that moral considerations should not limit the scope of law.

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Legal Realism

Focuses on the actual practices of legal actors, emphasizing the role of judges' discretion and social context in shaping legal outcomes.

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Legal Process Theory

Examines legal decision-making as a reasoned process of interpreting and applying rules, while also considering underlying values and principles.

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Critical Legal Studies

Argues that legal rules are inherently contradictory and can be manipulated to achieve different outcomes, highlighting the role of power and ideology in law.

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Feminist Legal Theory

Examines how law reinforces gender inequality and seeks to reform legal systems to promote women's rights and equality.

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Critical Race Theory

Examines how law perpetuates racial inequality and seeks to dismantle legal structures that maintain white supremacy.

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Rationalistic Model

Law is created to address public problems as identified through rational analysis and data.

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Functionalistic Model

Law is created to serve the overall needs of society by promoting social stability and cohesion.

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Conflict Model (of law creation)

Law is imposed by one group over another.

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Moral Entrepreneur Model

Law is created by individuals and then embraced by the rest of society.

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Internalization (of law)

Integration into habits or conscious thoughts.

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Institutionalization (of law)

To officially embed something (such as a tradition, a belief, or a set of values) within an organization or system.

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Victimless Crimes

Acts or activities that, although illegal, are seen as harming no one.

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Discrimination in Law Enforcement

The singling out of any person or group usually on the basis of prejudice or stereotype.

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Negotiation (legal definition)

Private meetings or discussions directed toward private treaty resolution.

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Study Notes

  • Exam is on Thursday, March 21, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:05 PM.
  • The first part of the exam includes multiple choice and short answer questions.
  • The second part includes essay or short answer questions.
  • There are two possible scenarios, each with several short answer questions.
  • Answer all questions for one scenario.
  • Going beyond the questions can add up to five points.

Consensus and Conflict Theories

  • Define these theories and apply them to situations.
  • The faulty tire recall was discussed as an example situation.
  • These theories appear in Chapters 1 and 2.
  • Consensus theory = Functionalist theory.
  • Conflict theory = Marxist theory.

Herbert Packer's Models

  • Define due process and crime control models and apply them to a situation.
  • The Miranda case was discussed as an example.
  • Need to generally understand Natural Law, Sociolegal Theory, Legal Positivism, Legal Realism, and Legal Process Theory.
  • Define and explain this theory, including indeterminacy or false necessity.
  • The candy company example was where a lawyer found an inapplicable law, but the judge used it to stop the sale for political reasons.
  • Need to be able to define and apply theories.
  • Definitions were covered in linked articles.

Theories Behind Why Laws Are Made

  • Define and apply the four theories: rationalistic, functionalistic, conflict, and moral entrepreneur.
  • Understand influences affecting lawmakers.
  • These were in a chapter and a quiz involving lobbying.
  • Explain the reasons why legal change causes social change and vice versa.
  • Both are necessary for real change.
  • Understand institutionalization and internalization in social change.

Victimless Crimes

  • Define and discuss victimless crimes.
  • Determine if they are really victimless.
  • Cite examples and argue whether legislating is appropriate.

Discretion vs. Discrimination

  • Understand the role of discretion vs. discrimination in law enforcement.

Dispute Resolution

  • Define alternative dispute resolution mechanisms: negotiation, mediation, arbitration, med-arb, and minitrial.
  • Explain when/why they are chosen using the five factors.
  • Understand types of litigants: one-shotters and repeat players, and what they seek in dispute resolution.

Litigation

  • Discuss the litigation explosion, its causes, and effects.

Roles of a Lawyer

  • Know the roles of a lawyer.
  • Consider ethical issues like the lawyer's role in relation to the client.
  • Is the lawyer responsible for litigation explosion and public perception?

Juries

  • How are juries chosen?
  • Are juries impartial?
  • Have a general understanding of voir dire process and its goals.

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