Intro to Criminal Justice ~ Unit 1

Institution of Social Control

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

Jurisdiction

Apolitically defined geographical area.

Misdemeanors

Less serious crimes generally punishable by a fine or by incarceration in jail for less than a year

Felonies

Serious offenses punishable by confinement in prison for more than a year or by death

Arrest

The seizing and detaining of a person by lawful authority

Booking

The administrative record of an arrest. Typically, the suspects name, charge, fingerprints, and photo is entered in the police blotter

Defendant

A person against whom a legal action is brought, a warrant is issues, and on indictment is found

Initial Appearance

A pretrial stage in which a defendant in brought before a lower court to be given notice of the charges and be advised of their rights

Summary Trial

An immediate trial without a jury

Probable Cause

A standard of proof that requires evidence sufficient to make a reasonable person believe that, most likely than not, the proposed action is justified

Bail

Usually a monetary guarantee deposits with the court to ensure that suspects or defendants will appear at a later stage in the criminal justice process

Preliminary Hearing

In a felony case, a pretrial stage at which a judge determines whether there is probable cause

Grand Jury

A group of citizens who meet to investigate charges coming from preliminary hearings

Information

A document that outlines formal charges, the violated laws, and the evidence to support

Arraignment

A pretrial stage to hear the information or indictment and allow a plea

Plea Bargaining

The practice where a specific sentence is imposed if the accused pleads guilty to an agreed upon charge instead of going to trial

Probation

A sentence in which the offender is retained in the community under supervision rather than being incarcerated

Parole

The conditional release of prisoners before they serve their full sentence

System

A smoothly operating set of arrangements and institutions directed towards the achievement of common goals

Crime Control Model

A model of the the criminal justice system that reflects traditional, conservative values. The control of criminal behavior is thee most important function of criminal justice.

Due Process Model

A model of the criminal justice process that embodies rational, liberal values. In this model the principle goal of criminal justice is to protect the innocent.

Doctrine of Legal Guilt

The principle that people are not to be held guilty of crimes merely on a showing, based on reliable evidence, that in all probability they did in fact do what they are accused of doing. Legal guilt results only when factual guilt is determined in a procedurally regular fashion, as in a criminal trial, and when the procedural rules designed to protect suspects and defendants and to safeguard the integrity of the process are employed.