Introduction to Criminal Justice System: Key Concepts and Structures

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

Law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

What is the typical process flow in the criminal justice system?

Crime → police response → courtroom process → corrections.

What factors can affect police response to crime?

Officer discretion, victim cooperation, and proper evidence collection.

What distinguishes jails from prisons?

Jails are for temporary incarceration and sentences less than a year, while prisons are for post-conviction incarceration with sentences longer than a year.

What is the definition of crime?

The breaking of a law, which the criminal justice system or some authority prescribes punishment for.

What are the two categories of crime based on moral considerations?

Mala prohibita (wrong by law) and malum in se (wrong because it is evil).

What is the purpose of the criminal justice system?

Crime control, punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, and upholding due process.

What is restorative justice?

An approach that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime.

What is the 'tough on crime' mentality?

A perspective that promotes punishment and often disregards the humanity of offenders.

What is the estimated annual cost of the criminal justice system in the U.S.?

Approximately $212 billion a year.

What is the Uniform Crime Report (UCR)?

A report that measures crime reported to police agencies, focusing on summary numbers of incidents.

What does the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) measure?

Crime that is not reported to police, collecting data through volunteer reporting from individuals aged 12 and older.

What is primary data in crime measurement?

Data gathered directly by researchers or agencies, such as UCR and NCVS.

What is secondary data?

Data not gathered directly, sourced from someone who collected it, often used for efficiency.

What is the role of media in the perception of the criminal justice system?

Media can sensationalize crime and influence public beliefs and ideas about the system.

What is the impact of framing in media reporting on crime?

Framing can promote narratives that may lead to misconceptions, such as the idea of rampant violence or a racist system.

What are the different theories of criminology?

Classical, routine activities theory, deterrence theory, positivist, social disorganization theory, social learning theory, control theory, self-control theory, and strain theory.

How has the size of the criminal justice system changed since the 1980s?

It has grown exponentially, despite a decrease in violent and property crime.

What is the significance of the 'interactionist' perspective in public policy related to crime?

It focuses on how laws intersect with society and evolve over time.

What is the difference between violent crime and property crime?

Violent crime involves harm to individuals, while property crime involves theft or damage to property.

What is the significance of victim cooperation in the criminal justice process?

Victim cooperation can significantly influence police response and the overall outcome of cases.

What does the term 'infotainment' refer to in the context of crime media?

Content that sensationalizes crime and the criminal justice system, often blurring the lines between information and entertainment.

What is the purpose of measuring crime?

To determine prevalence, observe trends, and enact policy changes in response to crime.

What is the consensus perspective on law?

Law keeps us in a safe and stable balance, based on values, norms, and traditions.

What does the conflict perspective suggest about law?

Law is a tool of coercion used by the ruling class to maintain control, and crime is complex, not always based in morality.

What was the Code of Hammurabi?

A set of regulations from around 1700 BC designed by the King of Babylon, structured through 'if...then' scenarios with severe punishments to prevent oppression.

What historical legal model involved trial by ordeal?

The conflict model, where punishment was believed to be administered by the hands of God, exemplified by the Salem Witch Trials.

What is meant by the 'rule of law'?

It refers to the collective agreement of individuals within a society to uphold the Constitution and the law, legitimizing the system.

What are the two main types of law?

Criminal law and civil law.

What is procedural law?

The rules that determine the proceedings of the court and criminal justice system, including how cases are handled and charges determined.

What is substantive law?

The rules that govern how individuals are treated in the criminal justice system, including the rights of the people.

What is civil law focused on?

Disagreements between two or more parties that cannot be resolved without court intervention, often involving liability and negligence.

What are common examples of civil law cases?

Divorce, slander, libel, and defamation.

How does marijuana policy illustrate substantive law?

It shows varying legal treatment across states, affecting how individuals are treated under the law.

What is the significance of the Bill of Rights in substantive law?

It outlines the rights of individuals, such as the right to remain silent.

What is the role of the legal code in the conflict model?

It serves as a framework for determining justice, often reflecting the interests of the ruling class.

What is the purpose of punishment in the consensus model?

To maintain social order and uphold collective values within society.

What does the term 'deterrence' refer to in the context of law?

The idea that laws and punishments are designed to discourage individuals from committing crimes.

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

Mens rea refers to the guilty mind or intent behind committing a crime.

What is 'actus reus'?

Actus reus refers to the guilty act or the physical act of committing a crime.

What are felonies?

Felonies are serious charges that can result in over one year of incarceration, loss of rights, life sentences, or death penalties.

What distinguishes misdemeanors from felonies?

Misdemeanors are less serious charges, often involving physical disputes or traffic infractions, and typically result in less than one year of incarceration or fines.

What is the burden of proof in a criminal trial?

The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to the judge or jury.

What is the presumption of innocence?

The defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty.

What is an alibi in legal defenses?

An alibi is a defense that proves the defendant was elsewhere when the crime occurred.

What does the defense of duress entail?

Duress involves committing a crime under the threat of violence or coercion.

How does the insanity defense work?

The insanity defense argues that the defendant was not criminally liable due to a severe mental disorder.

What is the significance of the necessity defense?

The necessity defense argues that the defendant acted to prevent a greater harm.

What is the role of police in modern society?

Police serve as both peacekeepers and enforcers of the law, tasked with maintaining order and protecting citizens.

What was the impact of the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829?

It established a structured approach to policing in England, emphasizing cooperation, efficiency, and impartiality.

What is community policing?

Community policing focuses on building relationships and cooperation between police and the community.

What does the term 'blue wall of silence' refer to?

The blue wall of silence refers to the informal code among police officers to not report on each other's misconduct.

What is the significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

It outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

What does 'reasonable suspicion' mean in law enforcement?

Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that allows police to stop and question a person based on specific facts or circumstances.

What is probable cause?

Probable cause is a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed, justifying a warrantless search or arrest.

What was established by the Mapp v. Ohio case?

The case established that evidence obtained through illegal search and seizure is not admissible in court.

What does the term 'fruit of the poisonous tree' refer to?

It extends the exclusionary rule to evidence derived from illegal searches, making it inadmissible in court.

What is the role of discretion in policing?

Discretion allows police officers to make choices in enforcing laws, such as deciding whether to issue a ticket or make an arrest.

What are the responsibilities of police officers?

Police officers are responsible for patrolling, controlling traffic, conducting investigations, and responding to calls for service.

What is the difference between 'grass eaters' and 'meat eaters' in police corruption?

Grass eaters are passive participants in corruption, while meat eaters actively engage in corrupt practices.

What is the SARA model in problem-oriented policing?

The SARA model stands for Scan, Analyze, Respond, and Assess, used to address community crime issues.

What is the broken windows theory?

The broken windows theory suggests that maintaining order by addressing minor offenses can prevent more serious crimes.

What is the significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

It outlawed discriminatory voting practices and aimed to ensure equal voting rights for all citizens.

How has the role of women in policing evolved?

Women initially served in clerical roles but began patrolling as sworn officers in the 1960s, bringing different perspectives to policing.

What challenges do Black and Hispanic individuals face in policing?

They are often subjected to higher rates of stops and scrutiny, leading to concerns about racial profiling and discrimination.

What is the impact of social media on policing?

Social media allows police to share updates and maintain communication with the community, influencing public perceptions.

What does 'testilying' refer to in law enforcement?

Testilying refers to police officers giving false testimony while under oath in court.

What is the concept of restorative justice?

Restorative justice focuses on restitution and repairing harm caused by criminal behavior rather than punitive measures.

What does procedural justice emphasize?

Procedural justice emphasizes fairness in the processes that resolve disputes and allocate resources.

What is the role of the International Association of Chiefs of Police?

It promotes professional standards and practices in policing through research and peer-reviewed analysis.

What are the challenges of modern policing?

Modern policing faces issues such as corruption, public perception, and the need for community engagement.

What is the significance of the 5th and 14th amendments?

The 5th amendment ensures due process rights, while the 14th amendment guarantees equal protection under the law.