Criminal Justice Lecture Notes (Chapters 1-8) - Practice Flashcards

Question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and examples from Chapters 1–8 of the lecture notes.

What is the five-part definition of crime presented in Chapter 1?

An act or omission prohibited by law, committed without defense or justification, punishable by the state in a judicial proceeding.

What is a 'societal wrong' as discussed in the notes?

A crime is a societal harm—the wrong against society that is deemed unacceptable and criminalized.

Name the five parts of the crime definition as outlined in Chapter 1.

An act or omission; prohibited by law; committed without defense or justification; punishable by the state; in a judicial proceeding.

What is the difference between civil and criminal law?

Civil law deals with private wrongs (torts) and aims to compensate the injured party; criminal law deals with public wrongs and aims to punish.

What is a tort?

A civil wrong that harms a private party, with remedies like damages, specific performance, or cover.

What is the social contract as discussed in Chapter 2?

An implied agreement with society; rules published so people know boundaries; government enforces to protect everyone.

What is the four corners rule in contract law?

Only what is written inside the contract document matters; extrinsic evidence is generally not allowed.

Give an example of a defense or justification that can excuse a crime (e.g., self-defense).

Case where killing may be justified if there is imminent harm to the defender.

Why are there no absolutes in law, according to the notes?

Because there are exceptions and defenses that create non-criminal outcomes; circumstances and interpretations vary.

What is the civil remedy aim described as 'make them whole'?

To restore the injured party to the position they were in before the harm, via damages, specific performance, or cover.

What is the primary purpose of criminal law?

To punish offenders for violating the social contract; it cannot restore a victim to their original state.

In civil cases, how many jurors and is unanimity required?

Typically six jurors; civil verdicts can be by majority, not necessarily unanimous.

In criminal cases, how many jurors and is unanimity required?

Twelve jurors; the verdict must be unanimous.

What does 'beyond a reasonable doubt' mean?

Moral certainty about guilt; not merely a possible conviction, but a firmly held belief of guilt.

What is the 'presumption of innocence' in criminal law?

The defendant is presumed innocent until the state proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

What is an 'adversarial system' in criminal law?

A system where the state presents evidence and the defense cross-examines; the burden of proof lies with the state.

What is 'probable cause' used for in policing?

Reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been committed, necessary to justify an arrest.

What is the difference between public law and private law in this context?

Criminal law is public law (government prosecutes); civil law concerns private wrongs between individuals or private entities (torts).

Name some crimes listed in Chapter 3 (robbery, rape, arson, etc.).

Robbery, rape, arson, burglary, assault (including aggravated assault), motor vehicle theft, and similar offenses.

What historical factors contributed to organized crime, as discussed in Chapter 6?

Immigration and Prohibition in the 1920s, which facilitated organized crime networks.

What slogan did Reagan popularize in the War on Drugs?

Just say no.

What crime trend occurred in the 1990s, according to the notes?

Crime rates declined and have continued to decrease since the late 1980s/early 1990s.

What is meant by 'white-collar crime'?

Non-violent crimes by business professionals; corporate crime; focus increased after scandals like Enron.

What event(s) spurred heightened focus on corporate crime and the USA Patriot Act?

The Enron scandal and the 9/11 terrorist attacks led to stronger laws like the USA Patriot Act.

What does the USA Patriot Act stand for?

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism.

What caution is given about media studies and surveys in Chapter 7?

Be cautious with single studies; watch for agendas and margins of error; consider multiple studies before drawing conclusions.

What is the concluding takeaway about laws and events in Chapter 8?

Laws evolve in response to events; policymakers implement measures to address new threats and balance freedoms.