Midterm CJS 101. CHAP 1-8

Criminal Justice

The system of law enforcement, judicial, and correctional institutions that aims to maintain social order and enforce laws.

Individual Rights vs Public Order

The major theme in criminal justice that balances personal freedoms with societal safety and order.

Due Process

The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights that are owed to a person, ensuring fairness and equity in the criminal justice process.

Consensus Model

A view that sees the components of the criminal justice system as working together in harmony to achieve justice.

Conflict Model

A perspective that views the criminal justice system as a non-system where the goals of individual agencies differ and external pressures can fragment their efforts.

UCR/NIBRS

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting and National Incident-Based Reporting System programs that provide statistical data on crime in the U.S.

NCVS

The National Crime Victimization Survey that collects data on reported and unreported crime through victim self-reports.

Actus Reus

The physical act of committing a crime; one of the essential elements of a crime.

Mens Rea

The mental state or intent of a person committing a crime; another essential element of a crime.

Crime-Control Model

A model of criminal justice emphasizing the efficiency of legal processes and the suppression of criminal conduct.

Social Structure Theory

A theory suggesting that crime is a result of social and economic inequalities.

Labeling Theory

A theory that posits that being labeled as a criminal can lead to further criminal behavior.

Hate Crime

A crime motivated by prejudice or bias against a person's race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics.

White-Collar Crime

Non-violent crime committed for financial gain within a business or professional context.

Organized Crime

Criminal organizations that systematically engage in illegal activities for profit.

Evidence-Based Practice

Policing that relies on research and data analysis to determine effective crime prevention and response strategies.

Community Policing

A strategy that emphasizes proactive approach to crime prevention through community involvement.

Fourth Amendment

A part of the U.S. Constitution that protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Exclusionary Rule

A legal principle that excludes from trial evidence obtained in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights.

Qualified Immunity

A legal doctrine that protects government officials from being held liable for unconstitutional actions performed within their official capacity.