Intro to criminal Justice System Final Exam

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on the criminal justice system.

Law Enforcement

The component of the criminal justice system that includes police departments, sheriffs, detectives, and federal agencies.

Courts

The component of the criminal justice system responsible for interpreting the law and administering justice, including judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys.

Corrections

The part of the criminal justice system responsible for carrying out punishments and rehabilitating offenders, including prisons and probation.

Substantive Criminal Law

Defines what constitutes a crime and the punishments for those crimes.

Procedural Law

Provides rules for enforcing laws and protecting rights within the legal system.

Due Process Model

A criminal justice model that emphasizes individual rights and fairness.

Crime Control Model

A criminal justice model that emphasizes efficiency, order, and swift justice.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring probable cause.

5th Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial, attorney, and impartial jury.

Exclusionary Rule

Prevents evidence obtained illegally from being used in court.

Community Policing

A type of policing focused on building relationships and trust with the community.

Zero-tolerance / Aggressive Policing

Enforcement strategy involving strict enforcement of minor offenses.

Probable Cause

The standard of evidence required for arrests and search warrants.

Reasonable Suspicion

The standard required for stop-and-frisk encounters.

Trial Courts

First level courts that hear cases and determine guilt or innocence.

Appellate Courts

Courts that review decisions of lower courts to ensure laws were correctly applied.

Indictment

A formal charge made by a grand jury.

Plea Bargaining

An agreement in which a defendant pleads guilty for a reduced sentence.

Deterrence

A correctional philosophy aimed at preventing crime by threatening punishment.

Recidivism

The act of returning to criminal behavior after release from incarceration.

Classical Criminology

Theory suggesting individuals weigh benefits and costs when deciding to commit crimes.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that criminal behavior is learned from others.

Juvenile Justice

Focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration for juvenile offenders rather than punishment.