Intro to Criminal Justice – Chapters 1 & 2 Key Terms

Fifty-one question-and-answer flashcards that review the essential terms and concepts from Chapters 1 and 2 of the Intro to Criminal Justice lecture notes.

What is an “Institution of Social Control”?

An organization that persuades people, through subtle and not-so-subtle means, to abide by the dominant values of society.

What is the definition of “Jurisdiction” in criminal justice?

A politically defined geographic area and the legal authority of a justice agency or court to act over a particular subject matter, territory, or person.

How is a “Misdemeanor” defined?

A less serious crime generally punishable by a fine or incarceration in jail for no more than one year.

What constitutes a “Felony”?

A serious offense punishable by confinement in prison for more than one year or by death.

What does it mean to make an “Arrest”?

The seizing or taking of a person into custody by lawful authority, either through actual physical custody or constructive custody.

What is “Booking”?

The administrative recording of an arrest, entering the suspect’s name, charges, fingerprints, photographs, etc., into the police blotter.

Who is called a “Defendant”?

A person against whom a legal action is brought, a warrant is issued, or an indictment is found.

What is the purpose of the “Initial Appearance”?

It is a pre-trial stage where a defendant is brought before a lower court to be informed of the charges and advised of constitutional rights.

What is a “Summary Trial”?

A trial before a judge without a jury.

What level of proof is “Probable Cause”?

Enough facts and circumstances to make a reasonable, intelligent person believe that a crime has been committed or evidence can be found in a particular place.

What is “Bail”?

A money guarantee deposited with the court to ensure that a suspect or defendant appears at later stages in the criminal justice process.

What is the purpose of a “Preliminary Hearing”?

For a judge to decide whether probable cause exists to support felony charges filed by the prosecutor.

What is a “Grand Jury” and its main function?

A panel of usually 12–23 citizens meeting in closed session to investigate charges and determine whether probable cause exists to indict the accused.

What is an “Information” in legal terms?

A document that formally lists the charge(s), the violated law(s), and supporting evidence against a suspect.

What happens at an “Arraignment”?

The court formally reads the information or indictment and the defendant enters a plea.

What is meant by “Plea Bargaining”?

The practice where prosecution, defense, defendant, and often the judge agree on a sentence if the accused pleads guilty to an agreed charge.

What is a “Bench Trial”?

A trial conducted before a judge alone without a jury.

What does “Probation” entail?

A sentence allowing an offender to remain in the community under supervision and specific conditions instead of incarceration.

How is “Parole” defined?

Conditional release from prison before completion of a sentence with community supervision.

In criminal justice, what is a “System”?

A smoothly operating set of arrangements and institutions directed toward achieving common goals.

What is the “Crime Control Model”?

Packer’s model that prioritizes controlling criminal behavior, reflecting traditional conservative values.

What is the “Due Process Model”?

Packer’s model that emphasizes protecting the innocent as much as convicting the guilty, reflecting liberal values.

What is the “Doctrine of Legal Guilt”?

The principle that legal guilt results only when factual guilt is established through regular procedures that safeguard defendants’ rights.

In criminology, what are “Myths”?

Beliefs based on emotion rather than objective analysis.

What is a “Norm” or “Social More”?

A standard or rule about what people should or should not think, say, or do in given circumstances.

What is the “Legal Definition of Crime”?

An intentional violation of criminal law, committed without defense or excuse, and penalized by the state.

What does “Overcriminalization” refer to?

Making criminal laws that prohibit behaviors which arguably should not be prohibited.

What is “Nonenforcement”?

The routine failure to enforce certain criminal prohibitions.

What is “Undercriminalization”?

Failing to prohibit behaviors that arguably should be illegal.

In the elements of crime, what is “Harm”?

The external consequence required for an action to be considered a crime.

What does “Legality” require?

That the harmful conduct be legally forbidden and that laws not be applied retroactively.

What is an “Ex Post Facto Law”?

A law that criminalizes past conduct, increases punishment, or changes evidentiary rules after the fact.

What is “Actus Reus”?

The criminal act: intentional or reckless action or inaction that causes harm.

What is “Mens Rea”?

The guilty or criminal intent behind an act.

How is “Negligence” defined in criminal law?

Failure to take reasonable precautions to prevent harm.

What does “Duress” mean as a defense?

Committing a crime because of force or coercion.

What is “Juvenile Delinquency”?

A special category of offenses committed by youths, typically aged 7–18.

How is “Insanity” used as a defense?

Claiming mental or psychological impairment that negates criminal responsibility.

What is “Entrapment”?

When law enforcement induces a person not predisposed to crime to commit one, serving as a defense.

What is the “Necessity Defense”?

Arguing that a crime was committed to prevent a greater harm.

What does “Mala in se” mean?

Acts that are wrong in themselves, universally and timelessly condemned.

What does “Mala Prohibita” mean?

Acts that are illegal only because laws define them as such.

What is the “Dark Figure of Crime”?

Crimes that occur but are not recorded by the police.

What is a “Crime Index”?

An estimate of crimes committed, often used in statistical reporting.

What are “Offenses Known to the Police”?

Crimes that are both reported to and recorded by law enforcement, forming part of the FBI’s UCR.

How is the “Crime Rate” calculated?

The number of crimes expressed per unit of population or another base.

What are “Uniform Crime Reports (UCR)”?

An FBI-administered, voluntary national program that collects crime statistics and law-enforcement information.

What is a “Status Offense”?

An act illegal for minors but not for adults, such as truancy or running away.

What are “Crime Index Offenses Cleared”?

Offenses for which at least one person has been arrested, charged, and turned over to the court.

What are “National Crime Victimization Surveys (NCVS)”?

Interviews asking respondents about victimization experiences with index and other crimes in the past six months.

What are “Self-report Crime Surveys”?

Surveys in which individuals are asked to disclose crimes they have committed.