State and Local (judiciary) test 1

Activist judge?

a judge who makes rulings based soley off of personal or political views in no relation to laws.

mandatory minimum?

a state law that requires judge to give a fixed or low prison term sentencing for a certain crime.

habitual offender laws?

 statutes imposing harsher sentences on offenders who previously have been sentenced for crimes

Indeterminate sentencing?

judge sentences to a minimum and a maximum time in prison, with a parole board deciding how long the offender actually stays in prison

determinate sent. is?

by a judge to a specific time in prison depending on the crime

what is Truth-in-sentencing laws?

Laws that give parole boards less authority to shorten sentences for good behavior,  Reduce the discretionary power of a parole board. takes sentencing authority away from judges .

appointment retention election for selecting judges

incumbency helps this, starts by appointment by a governor followed by a retention-election. A select committee of judges, attorneys, and laypeople make nominations for judicial vacancies. governor appoints after and then after judge serves for a time , name is put on a nonpartisan ballot to be voted on.

partisan elections for selecting judges

show what political party they support. compromises their independence.

Non-partisan elections for selecting judges

dont show their political party

explain merit selection

choosing the best qualified candidate based on their skills