The Criminal Justice System

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from Chapter 13 of Practicing Texas Politics related to the Criminal Justice System.

Criminal Offenses

Classifications of actions deemed illegal by laws of the state.

Death Penalty

A legal punishment for certain crimes, abolished for mentally ill or juveniles in Texas.

Texas Penal Code

The set of laws outlining criminal offenses and penalties in Texas.

Misdemeanors

Criminal offenses that are less severe than felonies and typically result in less severe penalties.

Hate Crimes

Crimes motivated by bias against a particular group, not protecting against sexual identity or expression.

Plea Bargain

An agreement in a criminal case where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge.

Enhanced Punishment

Increased penalties for certain crimes based on specific circumstances.

Probation

A court-imposed sanction allowing a convicted person to stay in the community under supervision.

Recidivism

The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.

Community Justice Assistance Division

A division that focuses on community-based alternatives for offenders.

Juvenile Justice System

The legal system that handles minors who commit crimes.

Adjudication Hearings

Legal proceedings to determine the outcome of cases involving juvenile offenders.

Exoneration

The act of officially declaring someone as not guilty, especially in cases of wrongful imprisonment.

Racial Bias

Discrimination or prejudice based on race, particularly within the criminal justice system.

Administrative Segregation

The practice of isolating inmates for safety or disciplinary reasons.

Victim Impact Statements

Statements by victims detailing the emotional, physical, and financial effects of the crime.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

The state agency responsible for overseeing the state's prison and rehabilitation systems.

Lifetime Annuity

A financial arrangement providing income for life, sometimes offered to wrongfully convicted individuals.

Delinquent Children

Minors aged 10 to 17 who violate the law.

Job Training

Programs designed to provide skills and training for employment, often part of rehabilitation efforts.