Introduction to Criminal Justice Exam One

What is a crime?

A crime is behavior that violates criminal law enacted by a state, the federal government, or a local

jurisdiction, for which no legally acceptable excuse exists.

What is criminal law designed to do?

Criminal law protects individuals and the community from harm and seeks punishment for those who

violate the law. It must clearly specify: - Prohibited actions - How the act can be proven - Who committed the act - Appropriate punishment or sanctions

How did criminology develop?

Early explanations of crime emerged in the 1800s and relied on: - Phrenology: Studying skull shape- Physiognomy: Measuring body features. By the 1930s, criminology was recognized as the scientific study of crime, criminals, and society’s response.

How did criminal justice evolve in the 20th century?

1920s: Police academies established

Pre-WWII: Crime commissions and the first “Public Enemy” lists

1960s: President Johnson’s Crime Commission emphasized justice and civil rights

1980s: “Get tough on crime” era and prison expansion

Post-9/11: Expanded surveillance under the USA PATRIOT Act (later the USA Freedom Act)

What is the crime-control model?

Emphasizes efficient arrest, prosecution, and conviction to maintain public safety.

What is the due process model?

Emphasizes protection of individual rights at every stage of the justice system.

Key Amendments: - 4th Amendment: Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures - 5th

Amendment: Due process, protection against self-incrimination - 14th Amendment: Applies due process

and equal protection to the states - 8th Amendment: Protection against excessive bail and cruel and

unusual punishment

Exam Tip: If police shortcuts violate rights → due process violation.

What is justice?

The principle of fairness and moral equity.

 Difference between civil and criminal justice?

Civil justice: Disputes between individuals or organizations

Criminal justice: Violations of criminal law

What happens during an investigation?

Police collect evidence, reconstruct the crime, and identify suspects.

What is an arrest warrant?

A court-issued document authorizing police to arrest a suspect. 4th Amendment Issue: Arrests without warrants require probable cause.

What is an arrest?

The act of taking a person into custody, limiting freedom of movement.

What is booking?

The administrative process of recording fingerprints, photographs, and personal information.

What is a first appearance?

The suspect appears before a magistrate, is informed of charges, advised of rights, and bail may be set.

5th & 14th Amendment Issue: Failure to inform a suspect of rights violates due process.

What is a preliminary hearing?

Determines whether sufficient evidence (prima facie) exists to continue prosecution.

8th Amendment: Bail must not be excessive.

Information vs. indictment

Information: Filed by a prosecutor

Indictment: Issued by a grand jury

What is arraignment?

The defendant hears formal charges and enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere).

What is adjudication?

A trial or guilty plea determining guilt or innocence.

What is sentencing?

A judge determines punishment, sometimes after a sentencing hearing.

Corrections and reentry

Corrections: Imposition of sentence (incarceration or probation)

Reentry: Return to society, often through parole

What is due process?

Procedural fairness guaranteed by the 5th and 14th Amendments.

Role of the Supreme Court in defining rights

Supreme Court decisions interpret constitutional rights and become binding nationwide.

What is evidence-based practice?

Crime-control strategies supported by scientific research and data.

Why is multiculturalism important in criminal justice?

Cultural competence ensures fair treatment and effective communication across diverse populations.

Why are crime statistics important?

They shape public policy, funding decisions, and public perceptions of crime.

Major sources of crime data

UCR / NIBRS: FBI

NCVS: Bureau of Justice Statistics

Offender self-reports: Limited scope

 UCR vs. NIBRS

UCR: Summary-based, limited detail

NIBRS: Incident-based, detailed data

Murder

Unlawful killing of a human being. - First degree: Planned and intentional - Second degree: Intentional but

unplanned - Third degree: Lesser intent, often plea-bargained - Voluntary manslaughter: Heat of passion

- Involuntary manslaughter: No intent

Types of multiple murder

Spree: Multiple locations, no cooling-off period

Mass: Four or more victims, one location

Serial: Separate events with cooling-off periods

Rape

Unlawful sexual intercourse by force or without consent. UCR definition is gender-neutral.

Robbery

Taking property from a person using force, violence, or intimidation.

Exam Tip: If force or fear is involved → robbery, not theft.

Aggravated assault

Felony assault involving a weapon or serious injury.

Burglary

Unlawful entry into a structure to commit a felony or theft.

Larceny-theft

Unlawful taking of property without force.

Motor vehicle theft

Theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.

Quick Amendments

4th Amendment → Unreasonable search/seizure

5th Amendment → Coerced confession/self-incrimination

6th & 14th Amendments → Failure to provide counsel or fairness

8th Amendment → Excessive bail or harsh punishment