quiz

What is the difference between civil law and criminal law?

Civil law deals with disputes between individuals, while criminal law involves laws against behaviors that harm society.

What are ordinances?

Laws that apply to specific counties, cities, or towns.

What is the significance of case law?

Case law establishes precedents that guide future legal decisions through the principle of stare decisis.

What do the 5th and 14th amendments ensure?

They ensure due process rights.

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To protect individual liberties and limit the government's power.

What is Miranda warning?

A warning given to a suspect in custody, informing them of their rights before questioning.

What is meant by 'probable cause'?

A legal standard of reasonable belief that a crime has been committed, allowing for searches and arrests.

What does 'no lo contendere' mean?

A plea where the defendant neither agrees nor disputes the charge, effectively accepting the punishment without admitting guilt.

What is the function of a pre-sentencing report (PSI)?

To provide the court with information about the background and circumstances of a defendant before sentencing.

What does the term 'ex post facto' refer to?

Laws that retroactively change the legal status of actions that were committed when they were legal.

What is lynching?

A group attack by two or more individuals on a single person, often without legal authority.

What are 'blue laws'?

Regulations that restrict certain activities on Sundays, often related to the sale of alcohol.

What does 'jurisdiction' refer to in legal terms?

The authority of a court or legal body to make decisions and judgments over a particular case.

What is the purpose of problem-oriented policing?

To focus on community-specific issues and address underlying problems rather than just responding to incidents.

What is the 'watchman' style of policing?

An approach that prioritizes order maintenance and crime control, often seen in urban neighborhoods.

What does the term 'due process' mean?

The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment.

What is the purpose of the Knapp Commission?

Investigate corruption within the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

What is 'police discretion'?

The authority of law enforcement officers to make decisions based on their judgement about how to enforce the law.

What is meant by 'arrest rates'?

A statistic that measures the frequency of arrests made by police departments.

What is an example of common law?

Laws that have not been codified but have been recognized through judicial decisions, such as common law marriage.

What does 'mens rea' refer to?

The mental state or intent of a person committing a crime, distinguishing between intentional and accidental actions.

What is the '4 corners rule'?

A principle that requires all evidence and arguments to be contained within the four corners of a legal document or report.

What are 'miranda rights'?

Rights that must be read to a suspect in custody, informing them of their right to silence and legal counsel.

What is 'remand' in legal terms?

To send a case back to a lower court for further action or consideration.

What does 'affirm' mean in an appeal?

When an appellate court upholds the decision of a lower court.

What is an example of a constitutional issue?

Any matter that involves a violation or interpretation of the Constitution, such as freedom of speech cases.

What is meant by 'exigent circumstances'?

Situations that justify police entering a property without a warrant due to an immediate danger.

What is double jeopardy?

The legal principle that prevents an individual from being tried for the same crime twice after a conviction or acquittal.

What is the purpose of the exclusionary rule?

To prevent illegally obtained evidence from being used in court.

What does 'probable cause' establish?

It establishes a reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed, justifying searches or arrests.

What are the key components of due process?

Fair legal proceedings and adherence to established rules and principles in judicial actions.

What is meant by 'reasonable suspicion'?

A lower standard than probable cause, where law enforcement believes a crime may be occurring based on specific facts.

What is the role of the Supreme Court?

To interpret the Constitution and ensure law consistency across the country.

What is a 'hung jury'?

A jury that cannot reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a mistrial.

What are 'grievance procedures'?

Formal processes by which individuals can report and address issues or complaints, often within organizations or legal frameworks

What is procedural law concerned with?

The rules and processes for enforcing the law, including how trials and appeals are conducted.

What is the role of ordinances in local governance?

Local laws that regulate specific activities within a municipality, such as zoning or building codes.

What defines civil law?

A category of law dealing with disputes between individuals or organizations, often involving compensation.

What distinguishes substantive law from procedural law?

Substantive law defines the rights and duties of individuals, while procedural law governs the steps taken to enforce those rights.

What does 'stare decisis' mean in legal context?

The doctrine that obligates courts to follow historical cases when making a ruling on a similar case.

How does legislation impact criminal law?

Legislation creates specific laws that define crimes and penalties, shaping criminal justice standards.

What does 'jurisdiction' determine in a legal context?

The scope of authority a court has to hear and decide cases based on geographic area or subject matter.

What is a 'civil lawsuit'?

A legal action taken to resolve disputes between individuals over rights, liabilities, or injury.

What is the purpose of the FBI in federal law enforcement?

To investigate and enforce federal laws, protect national security, and conduct counterterrorism operations.

What components are necessary for a fair trial?

An impartial jury, the right to legal counsel, and the opportunity to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses.

What is a 'felony'?

A serious crime that is usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.

What constitutes 'misdemeanor'?

A less severe offense than a felony, often punishable by less than one year of imprisonment or fines.

What does the term 'crime deterrence' refer to?

Strategies aimed at preventing criminal behavior by instilling doubt or fear of legal consequences.

How does 'bail' function in the criminal justice system?

A monetary guarantee that an accused person will appear in court, allowing for temporary release until the trial.

What are 'exculpatory evidence'?

Evidence that may prove a defendant's innocence or reduce their culpability in a criminal case.