Criminology Final

Murder

The unlawful killing of another human being with malice (intent) aforethought

Manslaughter

The unlawful killing of another human being without malice (intent) aforethought

Rape Shield Law

Protects sexual assault victims by preventing the defense from introducing evidence about the victim’s past sexual history

Serial Murder

Killing of three or more persons in three or more separate events

Mass Murder

Killing four or more victims within a single event

Spree Murder

One person commits multiple murders in a short time frame, with no cool-off periods, sometimesi n differnet locations

Victimless Crime

An illegal act that doesn’t directly harm another person

ex.) drug possession, gambling

Preliminary Hearing

Judge decides if there’s enough evidence (probable cause) to proceed with a criminal trial, (if defendant denys charges from arraignment then goes to trial)

Other states, Judge only, defendant can dispute prosecutors chargers

Arraignment

Brings accused before court to hear formal chargers

Bail

Money or property given to a court as a promise, an arrested person will return for their future court dates, allowing them to get out of jail before trial

• Suspects who don’t show up, forfeit bail, cannot afford or refuse then pre-trail detention

Plea Bargaing

A deal where defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge, in exchange for the prosecutor dropping more serious charges

Crime Control Model

• Purpose of CJ system is to protect the public, deter criminals and incapacitate known criminals

• Goal-Speedy, efficient justice

• Emphasis on protecting society and compensating victims

Dual Process Model

• Opposes ‘Crime Control’ Model

• Individualized treatment, justice and rehabilitation of offenders

• Protect civil rights of the accused

• Less police power, more prisoner right

Equal Justice Model

• Everyone should receive the same treatment under the law

• No individualzed treatment

• Reduce discretion; base punishment solely on present behavior

• Principle of Just Deserts

Rehabilitation Model

• Given the proper care and treatment, criminals can change into productive, law-abiding citizens

• Need to attack ‘root causes’ of crime

• Also known as the ‘Medical Model’

Nonintervention Model

• Limit government intrusion into people’s lives, especially minors

• Deinstitutionalization if non-violent offenders

• Police, courts and corrections should focus efforts on diverting law violators

• “net-widening”

Restorative Justice Model

• True purpose of CJ system is to promote a peaceful, just society; advocate peacemaking, not punishment

• Reintegration necessary

• Crime is a community-level issue

Kansas City Experiment

testing in police patrol reduce crime, had no significant effect on crime rates

Proactive Policing/Patrol

law enforcement strategy that aims to prevent crime before it occurs

• Deterrent Effect

• targeted patrols “hot spots”, community engagement, addressing minor disorder (broken window)

Deterrence

act of discouraging someone for doing something, usually threatening punishment or negative consequences

Incapacitation

preventing future crime by removing an offender’s ability to commit offenses, usually imprisonment

Rehabilitation

Process of changing an offender’s behavior and thinking to stop them from reoffending, to restore offenders to a productive place in society

Retribution

Punishment inflicted on someone for a wrong or criminal act

Restoration/Restitution

Punish to restore the victim, Making someone whole again after they suffered a loss, repairing a building after destroyed

Indeterminate Sentencing

A judge gives a person range (like 3 to 10 years) instead of a fixed time, letting parole boards decide the actual release date

Determinate Sentencing

A judge gives a convicted criminal a fixed sentencing (so 5 years) instead of a range, and has a definite end date, little to no parole board

Bench Trial

Judge acts as the decision maker, not jury

Prosecutor

A lawyer who works for the government to bring criminal charges against someone, HAS THE MOST POWER