Criminal Justice Review

What is the definition of crime?

An act that violates the law and is punishable by the government.

What is the Criminal Justice System?

A system consisting of law enforcement, courts, and corrections designed to enforce criminal laws.

What does criminal law entail?

Laws that define crimes and set penalties for committing them.

What is deviance?

Behavior that violates societal norms but may not necessarily be illegal.

What constitutes a felony?

A serious crime punishable by imprisonment for more than a year or death.

What is a misdemeanor?

A less serious offense, usually punishable by less than a year in jail or a fine.

What is due process?

The legal requirement that a state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.

What does probable cause refer to?

Reasonable grounds for making a search, pressing a charge, or making an arrest.

What is an arrest?

The legal act of taking a person into custody, typically based on probable cause.

What is bail?

Money or property given to secure the release of a defendant to ensure their appearance in court.

What is probation?

A court-imposed sanction that allows a convicted person to serve their sentence in the community under supervision.

What is parole?

The release of a prisoner before the end of their sentence, with conditions and supervision.

What are Miranda Rights?

Rights of a person in custody, including the right to remain silent and to an attorney.

What is the exclusionary rule?

A legal principle that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in a court trial.

What is a jury?

A group of citizens chosen to hear evidence and determine the outcome of a case.

What occurs during a trial?

A formal legal proceeding in which a defendant is tried before a judge or jury.

What is sentencing?

The determination of the punishment for a convicted defendant.

What is restorative justice?

A criminal justice approach focused on repairing harm caused by crime through dialogue between victim and offender.

What is recidivism?

The tendency of previously convicted criminals to relapse into criminal behavior.

What characterizes white-collar crime?

Nonviolent crime committed by people in their professional lives for financial gain.

What is community policing?

A strategy that focuses on building positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.

What does double jeopardy mean?

The legal principle that a person cannot be tried twice for the same offense.

What role does a prosecutor have?

A lawyer who represents the state or government in a criminal case.

What is a public defender?

A lawyer provided by the government to defend a person who cannot afford private counsel.

What is victimology?

The study of victims, including their role in the criminal justice system and their psychological impact.

What is capital punishment?

The execution of a person convicted of a crime, usually murder, by the state.

What is police discretion?

The power of police officers to make decisions based on their judgment in different situations.

What does habeas corpus require?

A legal action or writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge.

What is a victimless crime?

A crime in which the offender and victim are the same person, such as drug use.

What is a hate crime?

A crime motivated by prejudice or bias against a particular group.

What is false imprisonment?

The unlawful restraint of a person’s freedom of movement.

What is domestic violence?

Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse between intimate partners.

What does the principle 'Innocent Until Proven Guilty' state?

A legal principle stating that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

What are strict liability crimes?

Crimes that do not require proof of criminal intent.

What protections does the Fifth Amendment provide?

The amendment protecting individuals from self-incrimination and double jeopardy.

What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

The amendment protecting individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures.

What rights does the Sixth Amendment guarantee?

The right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.

What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?

Excessive bail and cruel or unusual punishment.

What does a plea bargain involve?

An agreement in which a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.

What is armed robbery?

The act of taking property from someone by force or threat of force with a weapon.

What is bribery?

Offering, giving, or receiving something of value in exchange for influence.

What does criminal justice policy involve?

Guidelines and principles that influence the functioning of the criminal justice system.

What is cyberbullying?

The use of technology to harass or intimidate others.

What is the process of extradition?

Transferring a person from one jurisdiction to another to face criminal charges.

What is the prison industrial complex?

The relationship between the prison system and private corporations involved in prisons.

What is murder?

The unlawful killing of another person with intent or malice.

What is assault?

The intentional threat or use of force on another person.

What is burglary?

The unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime.

What is robbery?

Stealing from a person through force or threat of violence.

What is vandalism?

The intentional destruction or defacement of property.

What is tax evasion?

The illegal act of not paying taxes owed.

What are public order crimes?

Crimes that disrupt public peace and safety, such as public drunkenness.

What is restitution?

The repayment of victims by offenders for damages caused.

What is sexual assault?

Any form of sexual activity without consent.

What constitutes stalking?

Repeated and unwanted surveillance or harassment of another person.

What is identity theft?

The fraudulent use of someone else's identity for financial gain.

What is manslaughter?

The unlawful killing of another person without premeditation or intent.

What is arson?

The intentional setting of fires to destroy property.

What is conspiracy?

An agreement between two or more individuals to commit a crime.

What is unlawful entry?

The act of entering a property without permission.

What is public safety?

The protection of citizens from crime and harm through law enforcement and emergency services.