CJ Today CH1 Key Terms

biometrics

The measurement and statistical analysis of people's unique physical and behavioral characteristics, often used for identification and access control.

capital crime

a serious offense punishable by death or life imprisonment.

civil liberties

Fundamental rights and freedoms that protect the individual from government interference, often enshrined in law.

conflict model

Society is in constant conflict over limited resources, with social order maintained through coercion and power.

consensus model

Social order achieved through shared values and agreements, leading to collective norms.

crime

An act that violates criminal law and is punishable by the state, often resulting in harm to individuals or society.

crime control model

Focuses on reducing crime by strictly enforcing laws and quickly apprehending offenders, emphasizing public safety over individual rights.

criminal justice system

The system of law enforcement, courts, and corrections used to administer and ensure criminal justice.

deviance

Behavior that diverges from societal norms and expectations, often characterized as socially unacceptable.

discretion

The power or process of making decisions based on one’s judgment, often used by law enforcement officers in determining how to enforce the law.

diversion

A strategy used in the criminal justice system to redirect offenders away from traditional prosecution and incarceration, often involving rehabilitation programs.

domestic terrorism

Violent acts committed by individuals or groups within their own country to achieve ideological goals, often targeting civilians to instill fear or provoke government response.

drug

related offenses involving the manufacture, distribution, and possession of illegal substances.

due process model

A legal framework ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system, emphasizing the rights of individuals accused of crimes.

ethics

the moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.

evidence-based practices

strategies and interventions that are informed by research and data, aiming to improve outcomes in various fields such as healthcare and criminal justice.

federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces.

gun control

The set of laws and regulations governing the sale, possession, and use of firearms, aimed at reducing gun violence and ensuring public safety.

homeland security

A national effort to prevent terrorist attacks, manage emergencies, and protect the nation from threats both foreign and domestic.

informal criminal justice process

Refers to the non-formal procedures and practices within the criminal justice system, including plea bargaining and diversion programs, that occur outside of standard judicial processes.

justice

the fair treatment of individuals under the law, ensuring accountability and equitable application of legal principles.

justice reinvestment

a strategy aimed at reducing prison populations and reallocating resources towards community-based programs focused on crime prevention and rehabilitation.

morals

the principles of right and wrong behavior that guide individual conduct in society.

psychoactive drugs

substances that affect the mind and behavior by altering brain function.

recidivism

the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend and return to criminal behavior after serving their sentence.

system

a set of interconnected elements or parts that function together to achieve a common goal.

terrorism

the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims.

victim

a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event.