AJ 21

What is defined as an intentional violation of the criminal law or penal code, committed without defense or excuse and penalized by the state?

Legal definition of crime

What is the term for a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year or by the death penalty?

Felonies

What is the term for the administrative recording of an arrest?

Booking

What is the purpose of an initial appearance in court?

To inform the defendant of their rights and charges and to ensure they have adequate legal representation.

What is a preliminary hearing?

A court proceeding that determines if there is enough evidence to try a defendant for a crime.

What does 'mens rea' refer to in legal terms?

Criminal intent or a guilty state of mind.

What does 'actus reus' refer to?

Criminal conduct, specifically intentional or criminally negligent action or inaction that causes harm.

What is the necessity defense in criminal law?

A legal defense used when a crime has been committed to prevent a more serious crime.

What does the fifth amendment protect against?

Compelled self-incrimination and double jeopardy.

What is the role of the grand jury in the legal system?

To determine whether there is enough evidence to formally charge a defendant.

What standard of proof is necessary to find a defendant guilty in a criminal trial?

Beyond a reasonable doubt.

What does the exclusionary rule state?

Illegally seized evidence must be excluded from trials.

What is the focus of labeling theory in criminology?

The way people and actions are defined as criminal.

What does 'overcriminalization' refer to?

The prohibition by criminal law of some behaviors that arguably should not be prohibited.

What does 'probable cause' mean in the context of law enforcement?

The amount of proof necessary for a reasonably intelligent person to believe that a crime has been committed.

What is a status offense?

An act that is illegal for a juvenile but would not be a crime if committed by an adult.

What principle asserts that decisions in one case can set a precedent for future cases?

Stare decisis.

What does civil law include?

The law of contracts, property, and subjects such as administrative law.

What is the purpose of plea bargaining?

To negotiate a plea agreement typically resulting in a lesser charge.

What theory assumes that crime can be diminished through the fear of punishment?

Deterrence theory.

In criminal law, what is meant by 'politicality'?

The concept that laws are violations of rules made by the state.

Who is associated with the concept of biological inferiority in criminology?

Cesare Lombroso.

What is the consequence of being acquitted in a trial?

You cannot be tried again for the same offense due to double jeopardy.

What does 'mala prohibita' refer to in legal terms?

Offenses that are illegal because laws define them as such.

What does the term 'anomie' refer to, according to Durkheim?

The dissociation of the individual from the collective conscience.