Crime and justice module 1

Criminal Justice System

A collection of interdependent agencies that respond to criminal activity through enforcement, adjudication, and correction.

Instrumental/Utilitarian Purpose

The objective of responding to crime to benefit society through prevention and reduction.

Symbolic/Non-utilitarian Purpose

Addressing imbalances caused by illegal actions and violations of human dignity.

Crime Control Model

Emphasizes efficiency and speed in processing cases, focusing on early informal fact-gathering and operates on the presumption of guilt.

Due Process Model

Emphasizes accuracy and reliability of decisions, focusing on formal fact-finding in court and operates on the presumption of innocence.

Proportionality (Desert Theory)

Backward-oriented approach to punishment focusing on making penalties reflect the seriousness of the crime.

Crime Prevention (Utilitarian)

A forward-oriented approach to punishment that includes strategies like rehabilitation and individual deterrence.

Elements Required for Criminal Responsibility

Includes voluntary conduct, causation of harm, and awareness of mental states like intention, recklessness, and knowledge.

Voluntary Conduct

Actions that are performed with control, an essential element for criminal liability.

Intention

A mental state where the individual has the purpose to achieve a specific result.

Recklessness

When an individual is aware of a substantial risk and unjustifiably takes that risk.

Insanity Defense

A legal defense claiming that a defendant was unable to understand the nature of their actions due to mental impairment.

Complicity

Aiding, abetting, counseling, or procuring another to commit an offense.

Retribution

Punishment aimed at making offenders pay for their offenses, reflecting proportionality.

Restorative Justice

A justice approach focused on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims.

Individual Deterrence

Punishment aimed at preventing an individual from committing future crimes.

General Deterrence

Punishment intended to deter the general public from committing crimes.

Inefficiency in Criminal Justice

Challenges posed by delays in justice delivery, poor public confidence, and lack of coordination among agencies.

Social Contract Theory

The philosophical idea that individuals give some liberties in exchange for protection and social order.

Elements of Sentencing

Goals of sentencing include retribution, restitution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation.

The Funnel Model of Crime Processing

Illustrates how many incidents of crime lead to fewer arrests, charges, convictions, and incarcerations.