Criminal Justice Chapter 1

How does media portrayal of crime compare to actual reports?

Media sensationalizes crime more than actual reports.

What calls do police often respond to?

Unwanted person calls, welfare checks, and disturbances.

What is an institution of social control?

An organization that persuades people to abide by society’s dominant values.

How is criminal justice different as an institution of social control?

It focuses solely on criminal behavior and is a last resort.

What does the criminal justice system consist of?

More than 50,000 government agencies working together.

What is a misdemeanor?

A less serious crime.

What is a felony?

A more serious crime.

When does the criminal justice response begin?

When a crime is reported to the police.

What happens if an investigation is successful?

The police arrest and book the suspect.

What is an arrest?

Seizing and detaining a person by lawful authority.

What is booking?

An administrative record of an arrest like name, charge, and fingerprints.

What happens after a suspect is arrested and booked?

A prosecutor reviews the case and decides whether to charge the suspect.

What occurs at the initial court appearance?

The suspect is given notice of charges and advised of their rights.

Who is a defendant?

Someone against whom legal action, such as a warrant or indictment, has been taken.

What kind of trial may be held for misdemeanors?

A summary trial.

What happens during a felony hearing?

Determining if there is probable cause to hold for a preliminary hearing.

What may be set if the suspect is held for a preliminary hearing?

Bail.

What does a grand jury determine?

Whether there is probable cause to believe the accused committed the crime.

What happens after an indictment or information is filed?

The defendant is scheduled for arraignment.

What percentage of defendants plead guilty and get plea deals?

Around 95%.

What happens at arraignment?

The charges are read and the defendant enters a plea.

What is plea bargaining?

Agreeing on a specific sentence if the accused pleads guilty to an agreed charge.

What happens if the defendant pleads not guilty?

A trial date is set.

What are the five types of punishment?

Fines, probation, intermediate punishments, imprisonment, and death.

On what grounds can a defendant appeal?

Legal or constitutional grounds.

What is parole?

Early release before serving the full prison sentence.

Is there a single criminal justice system in the U.S.?

No, it’s a loose confederation of many independent agencies.

What defines a system in criminal justice?

A smoothly operating set of arrangements toward a common goal.

What are the two models of criminal justice?

Crime Control Model and Due Process Model.

What does the Crime Control Model emphasize?

Efficiency of the criminal justice process.

What does the Due Process Model emphasize?

Presumption of innocence.

Which model has dominated since the mid-1970s?

Crime Control Model.

How much was spent on criminal justice in 2016?

$284 billion.

Who pays most criminal justice costs?

State and local governments.