Crime & Criminal Justice (VOCABULARY Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Crime & Criminal Justice lecture notes.

Criminal Justice System

The system of law enforcement, adjudication (courts), and corrections that apprehend, prosecute, and control those charged with crimes; a loosely organized set of agencies protecting the public and upholding the law.

Law Enforcement

Agencies responsible for investigating crimes and arresting individuals suspected of committing them.

Courts

The institutions that interpret and apply laws to resolve cases and determine guilt or innocence.

Corrections

Systems and programs that punish, monitor, and rehabilitate offenders to protect society.

Nolle Prosequi

Latin for 'unwilling to pursue'; prosecutor’s decision to terminate proceedings before trial (often due to insufficient evidence).

No Bill

A grand jury decision indicating insufficient evidence to indict a suspect.

Nolo Contendere

Plea of 'no contest' where the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts conviction.

Indeterminate Sentence

A punishment with a range of years to be served (e.g., 3–7 years) rather than a fixed term.

Victim Advocates

Trained professionals who support crime victims as cases move through the justice system.

Inalienable Rights

Universal rights not dependent on laws or government; they are inherent and non-negotiable.

Judicial Activism

A judicial approach that interprets the Constitution to address contemporary societal needs, beyond its text.

USA PATRIOT Act

2001 law expanding tools to intercept and obstruct terrorism; strengthened security measures.

USA Freedom Act

2015 law restoring many Patriot Act provisions while limiting bulk telecommunications metadata collection.

Crime

The breaking of a law for which punishment is prescribed by the criminal justice system.

Street Crimes

Relatively common, serious crimes involving direct interaction between offender and victim in public spaces.

Property Crimes

Crimes against property, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.

Victimless Crimes

Crimes believed to have no direct victims besides the offender (e.g., certain consensual acts).

Cybercrime

Criminal activity using computers or networks (e.g., hacking, malware, phishing).

Terrorism

The completed or threatened use of coercion or violence against a population to advance political, religious, or ideological goals.

Mala in se

Crimes that are inherently wrong by nature (sinful acts).

Mala prohibita

Acts that are illegal because laws prohibit them; their illegality can change over time.

Decriminalization

Ending or reducing criminal penalties for certain behaviors.

Justifiable Homicide

Legal killings in self-defense or defense of others.

Castle Doctrine

Legal doctrine allowing homeowners (and sometimes others) to use reasonable force without retreat when threatened.

Adultery

Marital sex with someone other than a spouse; legality and severity vary by state.

Rape

A violent crime involving non-consensual penetration, considered mala in se.

Crime Control Perspective

Policy view prioritizing deterrence and harsh punishment to prevent crime.

Rehabilitation Perspective

Policy view emphasizing treatment and rehabilitation of offenders.

Due Process Perspective

Policy view ensuring fair and equal treatment for all accused within the justice system.

Restorative Justice Perspective

Policy view focused on repairing harm and restoring justice for victims and communities.

Nonintervention Perspective

Policy view advocating minimal state interference by the criminal justice system.

Consensus Model

Theory that CJ components work together cooperatively to achieve justice.

Conflict Model

Theory that CJ components operate adversarially and competitively to produce justice.

Framing

Media portrayal of crime events packaged in a simple, digestible way.

Faulty Criminal Justice System Frame

Idea that crime results from a lack of law and order or belief that criminals can get away with it.

Blocked Opportunities Frame

Idea that crime arises from poverty, lack of options, and discrimination.

Social Breakdown Frame

Idea that crime stems from breakdowns in family and community structures.

Racist System Frame

Idea that the CJ system itself is racist oppression rather than solely crime-related.

Violent Media Frame

Idea that crime is driven by exposure to violent media.

Infotainment

A blend of entertainment and information presented as truthful journalism.

Narrow-Casting

Targeted media messaging aimed at specific, homogeneous audiences.

Criminology

Academic discipline studying the nature, extent, causes, and victims of crime.