CRJ 101 - Criminal Justice System Review

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the Criminal Justice System course, focusing on definitions and important distinctions necessary for exam preparation.

Criminal Justice System

The system of practices and institutions for upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, and sanctioning those who violate laws.

Due Process

Fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.

Consensus Model

A perspective that sees the criminal justice system as working together in harmony for the common good.

Conflict Model

A view of the criminal justice system as a competition among various groups with conflicting interests.

UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting)

A program that provides reliable statistical data on crime, based on reports from law enforcement agencies.

NCVS (National Crime Victimization Survey)

A survey that provides data about personal and household victimization, including crimes not reported to the police.

Part I Offenses

Serious crimes reported by the UCR, including 4 violent crimes and 4 property crimes.

Criminological Theory

The study of the causes of crime, including various theories that explain criminal behavior.

Mens Rea

The mental state or intent of a person when committing a criminal act.

Actus Reus

The physical act of committing a crime.

Alibi

A defense in criminal law in which the defendant proves they were elsewhere when the crime was committed.

Procedural Justice

The idea that the processes of law enforcement and judicial proceedings are fair and equitable.

Sentencing

The judicial determination of a legal punishment for a convicted individual.

Infraction

A minor violation of a rule or law that typically results in a ticket or fine, rather than incarceration.

Treason

The crime of betraying one's country or government.

Espionage

The act of spying or using spies to obtain secret information, especially regarding national defense.

individual rights vs public order

theme of the textbook

3 Components of the CJS

police, courts, corrections

justice vs due process

fairness vs procedural fairness

procedural justice

when procedural fairness is applied to the criminal justice system

clerance rates

based on arrests —> highest is murder

part II offenses

less serious, victimless crimes

crime typology 

the classification of crimes into categories based on their nature and characteristics.

7 types of criminological theory

the frameworks used to understand the causes of criminal behavior, including biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives.

Statutory, Common, Case, Rule of Law

types of law that govern society, including those created by legislative bodies, judicial decisions, and established legal principles.

Categories of Crime

the different classifications of criminal acts based on their severity, nature, or impact on society. These can include felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.