Criminal Justice Exam 4

What is the general trend in the criminal justice system regarding the treatment of serious offenders?

The system reflects mostly leniency and rarely severity.

What happens to many cases in the criminal justice system?

Many cases are dismissed for triviality or not prosecuted due to victim and witness characteristics.

What is the lowest level sanction typically used in the criminal justice system?

The lowest level sanction is usually used, and additional time is added to the sentence before revocation if violated.

How do punishment processes in the criminal justice system resemble a ladder?

They resemble a ladder of incrementally more severity and conditions.

What issue exists in the coordination between law enforcement and correctional systems?

There is poor coordination between police, probation, parole, and corrections, often across jurisdictions.

What has historically been the truth-in-sentencing practice in many states?

Many states have had little truth-in-sentencing, with sentences routinely reduced by 50%.

What do serious offenders often prefer regarding their sentences?

Serious offenders often prefer confinement and serving their sentence to expiration.

What is the primary goal of community corrections and intermediate sanctions?

To protect the community and rehabilitate offenders.

What percentage of people under correctional supervision are on probation or parole?

70% of people under correctional supervision are on probation or parole.

What are the costs per correctional client for prisoners, parolees, and probationers?

Prisoner: $25,000; Parolee: $3,000; Probationer: $1,000.

What is 'Net Widening' in the context of community corrections?

Net Widening refers to the growing correctional population due to the proliferation of community corrections and intermediate sanctions.

What are 'Technical Violations' in the context of probation and parole?

Technical Violations are often more substantive than critics suggest, with many tolerated before revocation.

What is a deferred prosecution?

A guilty plea with a term of compliance (6-18 months) that, if successfully completed, results in expungement of the conviction.

How are fines typically used in the criminal justice system?

Fines are almost always used as a supplemental penalty for other immediate sanctions.

What is a significant issue with fines in the criminal justice system?

Fines are rarely paid, and the system often expects non-payment.

Why is community service under-utilized as a penalty?

It may be under-utilized because it does not meet an overtly punitive standard.

What is the purpose of Boot Camps in correctional settings?

Boot Camps aim to enhance offender self-esteem, although they have high failure rates.

What is the primary use of home arrest and electronic monitoring?

They are primarily used for DUI and minor property offenders.

What is Day Reporting used for in the correctional system?

Day Reporting is used as a bond condition and helps disrupt daily intoxication in high recidivism offender groups.

What characterizes Intensive Supervised Probation (ISP)?

ISP is characterized by high failure rates due to strict supervision and is a last opportunity for high-risk offenders.

What is the average caseload for probation agencies in the U.S.?

The national average caseload is 175:1.

What percentage of probationers are automated or unsupervised cases?

70% of probationers are automated/unsupervised cases that receive no supervision.

What is the average caseload for parole agencies in the U.S.?

The national average caseload for parole is 70:1.

What is the recidivism rate for parolees within three years?

About 70% of parolees are re-arrested within three years.

What is the significance of parole and prison working in combination?

They blend confinement and community-based supervision as part of criminal punishment.

What does 'life without parole' typically mean in most states?

'Life without parole' usually means serving a minimum number of years before being eligible for parole.

What is a common attitude of antisocial and violent offenders towards parole?

Many reject parole to serve their full prison sentence, known as expiration of a sentence.