Intro to CJ Chapter 1 Vocab

Criminal Law

The body of law that defines criminal offenses and prescribes punishments for their infractions.

Three Strikes Law

A crime control strategy whereby someone who commits three or more violent offenses will be sentenced to a lengthy term in prison, usually 25 years to life.

Arrest

The taking into custody or detaining of one who is suspected of committing a crime

Prosecution

The bringing of charges against an individual, based on probable cause, so as to bring the matter before a court.

Preliminary Hearing

A stage in the criminal process conducted by a magistrate to determine whether a person charged with a crime should be held for trial based on probably cause; does not determine guilt or innocence

Sanction

A penalty or punishment.

Appelate Review

Following trial and sentencing, a defendant may appeal his/her conviction or sentence by requesting a higher court review the arrest and trial.

Corrections

Indeterminate Sentence

A scheme whereby one is sentenced for a flexible time period (e.g., 5-10 years) so as to be released when rehabilitated or when the opportunity for rehabilitation is presented

Determinate Sentence

A specific, fixed-period sentence ordered by a court

Parole

Early release from prison with conditions attached and under supervision of a parole agency.

Juvenile Justice System

Jurisdiction over matters concerning children. State statutes define which persons are under the original jurisdiction of the juvenile court. Usually max age of 17.

Status Offenses

A crime committed by a juvenile that would not be a crime if committed by an adult; examples would be purchasing alcohol and tobacco products, truancy, and violating curfew.

Felony

A serious offense with a possible sentence of more than a year in prison.

Misdemeanor

A lesser offense, typically punishable by a fine or up to 1 year in a local jail.

Summary

Lesser offense, up to 90 days in jail as max penalty.

Ethics

A set of rules or values that spells out appropriate human conduct.

Arraignment

Accused informed of charges, advised of rights of criminal defendants, asked to enter a plea to the charges

Restitution

Recompense for injury or loss.