Understanding the Criminal Justice System in Crisis Situations

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, goals, agencies, models, and processes of the American criminal justice system as described in Article One.

Doing justice

A primary goal of the criminal justice system that involves ensuring fairness, equity, and accountability for all individuals through fair laws, impartial punishments, and equal treatment.

Controlling crime

A primary goal of the criminal justice system involving the identification, arrest, prosecution, and punishment of offenders in a lawful and just manner.

Preventing crime

A primary goal of the criminal justice system focused on reducing crime through proactive strategies and deterrence, often using technology, surveillance, and public education.

Evidence-based practices

Policies and interventions within the criminal justice system that are grounded in scientific research and data to ensure effectiveness.

Federal system

A system of government where criminal justice responsibilities are divided between national and state governments.

Law enforcement

First responders in crisis situations responsible for maintaining public order, apprehending suspects, and offering social services when appropriate.

Prosecutors

Legal officials who evaluate whether to pursue criminal charges and often negotiate plea agreements.

Courts

Agencies in the criminal justice system that determine guilt or innocence and impose sentences.

Correctional agencies

Agencies responsible for managing offender incarceration, probation, and parole.

Discretion

The power of criminal justice professionals to make quick decisions based on their training, judgment, and the specific circumstances of an incident.

Resource dependence

A system characteristic referring to the reliance of criminal justice agencies on external funding and support.

Sequential processing

A system characteristic where cases must pass through a defined order of steps.

Filtering mechanism

A system feature in which many individuals exit the criminal justice process before trial, often due to insufficient evidence or diversion programs.

13-step decision-making process

The structural sequence of criminal cases starting with investigation and ending with the release of the offender.

Crime control model

A criminal justice model prioritizing swift and efficient justice to deter criminal behavior, often compared to an assembly line.

Due process model

A criminal justice model valuing the protection of individual rights and legal fairness, often referred to as an obstacle course.

Disparities

Occurrences in the justice system where different groups defined by factors like race, gender, or age experience unequal treatment.

Discrimination

Unequal treatment within the criminal justice system that is based on unfair or prejudicial factors.