Review of Legal Studies Lecture Notes

These flashcards are designed to help reinforce the key concepts and themes discussed in the lecture notes on legal studies, focusing on the intersection of law with social issues, race, and justice.

What does the term 'legal cynicism' refer to according to Monica Bell?

Legal cynicism is the overall distrust of law enforcement and doubt of its effectiveness.

What findings does Monica Bell present regarding why African American women call the police?

Many Black women only call the police when there is an imminent threat to their household; otherwise, they rely on the 'code of the street'.

How does sociocultural understanding of law impact policing, as discussed in the notes?

Social aspects of policing are crucial to how people, especially in underprivileged communities, understand the law and their relationship with law enforcement.

What does 'techwashing' mean in the context of Sarah Brayne's lecture?

Techwashing refers to the practice of misleadingly portraying data collection technologies as beneficial, while obscuring the racial and social implications.

What constitutional question was at the heart of the Terry v. Ohio case?

The question was whether Terry's Fourth Amendment rights were violated during the officers' stop and frisk.

What is 'marking' in the context of Kohler-Hausmann's discussion?

Marking refers to the creation of a criminal record from an arrest, classifying one as a criminal within the legal system.

What does Matthew Clair say about the attorney-client relationship?

Clair notes that attorneys often prioritize legal strategy over the client’s social outcomes, which leads to a lack of trust.

What is meant by 'performances' during negotiations between accused individuals and prosecutors?

'Performances' refer to the accused needing to show remorse or compliance to present a better image in court.

How does Debra Emmelman's perspective on plea bargaining differ from Matthew Clair's?

Emmelman focuses on institutional relationships in plea bargaining, while Clair emphasizes cynicism in attorney-client relations.

What is the significance of 'neoliberalism' in the context of mass incarceration discussed in Jessica Cooper's lecture?

Neoliberalism connects to mass incarceration by emphasizing personal responsibility and market-driven policies, often marginalizing vulnerable populations.

What do Beckett and Herbert identify as 'architectural modes of exclusion'?

Architectural modes of exclusion refer to the physical and legal structures that enforce social boundaries and control access to public spaces.

What is the critique of racial zoning compared to redlining as discussed in Richard Rothstein's excerpts?

Racial zoning was banned as unconstitutional, leading cities to adopt redlining, which systematically denied home ownership and financial access to people of color.

What are the implications of 'digital footprints' according to Heather Lageson?

Digital footprints of individuals with criminal records are viewed as a 'valuable commodity', contributing to surveillance and social control.

What does 'collateral consequences' of a criminal record refer to in Kaaryn Gustafson's article?

Collateral consequences refer to the unintended negative effects of a criminal record, such as limited access to welfare and employment opportunities.

How does the concept of 'nonpersonhood' relate to welfare administration?

Nonpersonhood describes how the welfare system can dehumanize individuals, leading to a bureaucratic approach that disregards their dignity.

What are the main themes discussed by Nicole Fleetwood regarding prison art?

Fleetwood highlights how prison art can challenge penal discipline and engage with societal relations, either as liberatory or merely coping mechanisms.

What is the central problem with back-end sentencing in California according to Sara Mayeux?

Back-end sentencing creates opacity in the criminal justice process, undermining the intended transparency of determinate sentencing.

How do the animal trials of medieval Europe contrast with contemporary legal systems?

Animal trials reflect differing societal values about agency and moral accountability, which have shifted dramatically in modern legal contexts.