Skills USA 2025 Crimnal Justice

Criminal Justice Portion Study Guide for Skills USA 2025

First Police Agency

The first organized police force was the London Metropolitan Police, established by Sir Robert Peel in 1829.

Robert Peel

Known as the "Father of Modern Policing," he established the nine principles of policing that emphasize community service and crime prevention.

August Vollmer

A pioneer in American policing, he introduced scientific methods to law enforcement, including fingerprinting, polygraphs, and crime labs.

Branches of Government & Checks and Balances

Executive (enforces laws), Legislative (creates laws), Judicial (interprets laws); ensures no single branch becomes too powerful.

1st Amendment

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy; guarantees due process.

6th Amendment

Right to a fair and speedy trial, legal counsel, and to confront witnesses.

8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail.

10th Amendment

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.

Knapp Commission

Investigated corruption in the NYPD, highlighting systemic issues.

English Common Law

Foundation of the U.S. legal system, derived from judicial precedents.

Code of Hammurabi

One of the first written legal codes, emphasizing "an eye for an eye."

Napoleonic Code

Influenced many legal systems, emphasizing clear laws and legal equality.

Terry v. Ohio

Established stop-and-frisk based on reasonable suspicion.

Graham v. Connor

Defined the standard for use of force by law enforcement.

Mapp v. Ohio

Established the exclusionary rule, barring illegally obtained evidence.

Tennessee v. Garner

Limited the use of deadly force by law enforcement.

Miranda v. Arizona

Required police to inform suspects of their rights.

Social Conflict Theory

Crime results from socioeconomic inequality.

Choice Theory

Crime is a rational decision based on perceived benefits.

Biological Theory

Criminal behavior may have genetic or physiological origins.

Social Disorganization Theory

Crime stems from environmental and social factors.

Voir dire examination

Jury selection process.

Peremptory challenges

Dismissing a potential juror without stating a reason.

Nolo contendere

A plea where the defendant accepts conviction without admitting guilt.

Plea bargaining

Negotiation for a lesser charge or sentence.

Insanity

Defendant was unable to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the crime.

Entrapment

Defendant was induced by law enforcement to commit a crime.

Alibi

Proof that the defendant was elsewhere during the crime.

Self-Defense

Use of force to prevent harm.

Diminished Mental Capacity

Mental illness or impairment affecting responsibility.

Infancy

Defendant is too young to be held fully responsible.

Burglary

Unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime.

Robbery

Taking property by force or threat.

Murder vs. Manslaughter

Murder is intentional killing; manslaughter involves negligence or provocation.

Petty Theft

Theft of low-value items.

Probable Cause vs. Reasonable Suspicion

Probable cause is stronger, necessary for arrests/warrants; reasonable suspicion allows brief detentions.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor

Felonies are serious crimes; misdemeanors are less severe.

Sentencing

Punishment phase after conviction.

Opening Statements, Defense's Case, Closing Arguments, Jury Deliberations, Prosecution's Case

Key stages of a trial.

Tort

Civil wrongdoing leading to liability.

Juvenile Rights & Offenses

Different legal considerations for minors.

Parole, Furlough, Probation, Trustee

Various forms of supervised release.

Prisoner Rights

Legal protections for incarcerated individuals.

Legal Searches & Exclusionary Rule

Warrants required except in exigent circumstances.

Judicial Review

Court's power to interpret the Constitution.

Accident Investigations

Officers must prioritize safety and evidence collection.

DUI/DWI

Probable cause based on impairment indicators.

Stop & Frisk

Permitted based on reasonable suspicion.

Body Searches

Conducted based on legal guidelines.

Common "10" Codes

Communication shorthand for officers.

Community Policing & COMPSTAT

Strategies for proactive law enforcement.

Primary Functions of a Patrol Officer

Enforcing laws, responding to calls, community engagement.

SWAT, Vice, K-9 Units, Bicycle Officers

Specialized roles within law enforcement.

Hiring Practices & Interview Skills

Requirements for law enforcement applicants.

Reducing Job-Related Stress

Mental and physical health strategies.