Criminal Justice Midterm

Terry v. Ohio

Allows an officer to pat down (frisk) a suspect for weapons.

Miranda Rights

Must be read when a person is in custody AND being interrogated.

Probable cause

Level of proof needed to arrest someone.

Reasonable suspicion

Level of proof needed to detain someone.

Plain view doctrine

Police may seize evidence clearly visible if they are lawfully present.

Tennessee v. Garner

Forbids shooting a fleeing suspect unless there is immediate danger to others.

Criminal Justice System branches

Includes Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections.

Misdemeanor

Less serious crime; punishable by fine or jail up to 1 year.

Felony

More serious crime; punishable by 1 year or more in prison.

Vandalism

Can be a felony or misdemeanor depending on severity.

Robbery

Involves force or threat to take property; differs from larceny.

Larceny

Taking someone else's property without force; differs from robbery.

Arson

Willful and malicious burning of another person’s property.

Grand larceny

Involves stolen property of a higher value.

Petty larceny

Involves stolen property of a lower value.

Shoplifting

Legal term for stealing from a store.

Elder abuse

Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly person.

Common signs of elder abuse

Bruises, poor hygiene, fear, malnutrition, sudden money changes.

Financial exploitation

Illegal or improper use of an elder’s money or assets.

Adult Protective Services (APS)

Government agency often involved in elder abuse situations.

Neglect

Abuse involving failure to provide basic needs.

Homicide

Killing of one human by another.

Murder vs. manslaughter

Murder involves intent/malice; manslaughter does not.

Justifiable homicide

Killing that is legally permitted, such as in self-defense.

Forensic pathologist’s role

Determine cause and manner of death.

Felony murder

Killing that occurs during the commission of a felony.

Mens rea

The mental intent behind the crime.

Malice aforethought

Intent to kill or cause serious harm.

Voluntary manslaughter

Intentional killing in the heat of passion.

Chain of custody

Documented handling of evidence from collection to court.

Use of force continuum

Guides officers on appropriate force to use in different situations.

First level of force

Officer presence.

Reasonable force

Force appropriate to the situation.

Basic firearm safety rules

Treat firearm as loaded; don't point at something you don't intend to shoot; finger off trigger.

Tactical communication

Gaining compliance and de-escalating situations.

Cover

Protection from danger.

Escalation of force

Increasing force as resistance increases.

Deadly force

Justified when there is an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm.

Muzzle awareness

Always knowing where the firearm is pointed.

Primary goal of tactical communication

Control situation without use of force.

Stop using force immediately

If force is no longer necessary.

Key component of tactical communication

Clear, calm verbal commands.

Most important factor

The suspect’s actions/threat level.

Critical firearm safety aspect

Trigger finger discipline.

Part of tactical communication strategy

Active listening and command presence.