Criminal Justice System Overview

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the Criminal Justice System lecture notes.

Mala in se

Acts that are inherently wrong or evil, such as harming others.

Mala prohibita

Acts that are wrong simply because they are prohibited by law, based on societal norms.

Consensus Model

A model stating that crime is defined by a societal agreement on norms and values.

Conflict Model

A model positing that crime is defined by dominant groups and reflects the struggle for power among societal segments.

Deviance

Behavior that violates societal norms and expectations.

Judicial Decisions

Court rulings that set precedents and guide future legal interpretations.

Social Control Theory

A theory suggesting that social bonds and institutions prevent deviant behavior.

Differential Association Theory

Sutherland's theory that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others.

Strain Theory

Merton's theory that societal pressure to achieve cultural goals can lead to crime when legitimate means are unavailable.

Criminology

The scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system.