CRJU 1010 Georgia Criminal Justice System — Flashcards

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards (Question and Answer style) covering the Georgia Criminal Justice System as described in the lecture notes.

What is the primary purpose of the criminal justice system in Georgia?

To uphold law and order, protect public safety, and ensure fair administration of justice.

What is the criminal justice system in Georgia described as in the notes?

A network of agencies and processes designed to uphold law and order, protect public safety, and ensure fair administration of justice.

What are the main responsibilities of law enforcement in Georgia?

Investigate crimes, enforce laws, make arrests, prevent crime, and protect citizens.

What is the role of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)?

Handles investigations requiring specialized expertise or beyond the scope of local agencies.

What is the role of Local Police Departments?

Manage law enforcement in cities and municipalities (e.g., Atlanta Police Department).

What is the role of Sheriff's Offices?

Operate at the county level, provide law enforcement in unincorporated areas, run county jails, and serve legal documents.

What types of cases do Municipal Courts handle in Georgia?

Minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, and city ordinance violations.

What kinds of cases does State Court handle?

Misdemeanor criminal cases and some civil cases.

What is the role of Superior Courts in Georgia?

Primary trial courts for felony cases; also handle civil matters and family law.

What is the Court of Appeals in Georgia?

A state appellate court that reviews decisions made by lower courts.

What is the Supreme Court of Georgia?

The highest court in the state with appellate jurisdiction over the most serious cases and matters of constitutional importance.

What do District Attorneys (DAs) do?

Prosecute criminal cases at the county level, including felonies, misdemeanors, and some juvenile cases.

Who is the Attorney General of Georgia and what is their role?

The state’s chief legal officer who prosecutes cases involving state law and handles appeals or statewide concerns.

Who are Public Defenders?

Lawyers employed by the state or counties who represent indigent defendants.

Who are Private Defense Attorneys?

Lawyers who represent clients for a fee.

What does the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) oversee?

State prisons, probation, parole, adult and juvenile facilities, and rehabilitation efforts.

What are County Jails?

Local facilities that house individuals awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences.

What is Probation?

Supervision of convicted individuals in the community under conditions (e.g., testing, employment).

What is Parole?

Conditional release from prison before completing a full sentence, with supervision and conditions.

What is the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)?

Oversees incarceration and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, including education and training.

What is the Juvenile Court’s focus in Georgia?

Rehabilitation of minors and best interests of the child. Ever focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

What are Victims’ Rights in Georgia?

Rights to be informed about case progress, to speak at sentencing, and to be protected from retaliation.

What are Victim Assistance Programs?

Counseling, legal assistance, and other resources for victims.

What is the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program?

Financial assistance to victims of violent crime for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.

What types of sentencing exist in Georgia?

Determinate and indeterminate sentencing.

Does Georgia still have the death penalty?

Yes, but its use has declined in recent years.

How does Georgia view probation vs. incarceration?

Georgia has a large prison population but also uses probation extensively as an alternative to incarceration.

What are Reentry Programs?

Programs to help former offenders reintegrate into society, focusing on education, employment, and housing.

What is the controversy around Private Prisons in Georgia?

They are used in addition to state facilities, with debates about cost, conditions, and quality of care.

What is a major challenge facing Georgia’s prisons?

Overcrowding in prisons.

What racial issue is highlighted in the notes?

Racial disparities in arrests, sentencing, and incarceration.

What are some reform efforts mentioned?

Changes to sentencing laws, expansion of alternatives to incarceration, and efforts to reduce recidivism.

What is one of the fundamental goals of the criminal justice system regarding public safety?

To protect the public from crime and ensure safe, orderly society.

What does upholding justice and the rule of law involve?

Ensuring laws are applied fairly, protecting due process, and safeguarding rights of the accused.

What is the Rehabilitation objective of the system?

Rehabilitating offenders through education, vocational training, and therapy to reduce reoffending.

What is deterrence in the context of the criminal justice system?

Deterring crime through the threat or imposition of penalties (specific and general deterrence).

What is meant by Punishment and Accountability?

Holding individuals accountable with appropriate punishment (formal and informal) while aiming for fairness.

What does due process emphasize in Georgia’s system?

Protection of constitutional rights, fair trials, right to counsel, and presumption of innocence.

What is Restoration of Victims?

Addressing harm to victims through support, restitution, and restitution programs including compensation.
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What is meant by Ensuring Fairness and Equality?

Reducing bias, ensuring equal treatment under the law, and fair access to representation.

What does Reintegration of Offenders involve?

Programs and supervision (probation/parole) to help former offenders reenter society.

What is the goal of Reducing Recidivism?

Address root causes of crime and provide rehab and diversion to prevent reoffending.

What is the overall summary of Georgia’s criminal justice system presented in the notes?

A multifaceted system with law enforcement, courts, prosecution, defense, corrections, and juvenile justice striving to protect public safety, ensure justice, provide rehabilitation, deter crime, support victims, and reintegrate offenders, while facing challenges like overcrowding and racial disparities.