Differences Between Civil Law and Criminal Law, Police Responsibilities, and Policing Eras

These flashcards cover key concepts of civil law vs. criminal law, police responsibilities, eras of policing, and the concept of probable cause.

What is the main difference between civil law and criminal law?

Civil law deals with disputes between private individuals or entities; criminal law prosecutes criminals.

Who is involved in civil law cases?

In civil law, there is a plaintiff and a defendant.

What is the focus of criminal law?

Criminal law focuses on prosecuting those who have done harm to society.

What are the 4 responsibilities of the police?

1. Enforce laws, 2. Provide services, 3. Prevent crime, 4. Preserve the peace.

What does it mean for police to enforce laws?

It means seeking out and apprehending those who violate the law.

In what ways do police provide services to the community?

By responding to medical emergencies, directing traffic, and counseling in domestic disputes.

What are the objectives of crime prevention by the police?

To prevent as much crime as possible through patrolling and visible police presence.

How do police preserve the peace?

By handling situations using the power of arrest and cracking down on minor crimes to prevent major ones.

What are the 3 eras of policing?

1. The Political Era, 2. The Reform Era, 3. The Community Era.

What characterized the Political Era of policing?

Recruitment and promotion tied to politics, leading to a corrupt system via patronage.

What was the main focus during the Reform Era of policing?

Minimizing corruption tied to politics, with an emphasis on centralized organization and regulations on police discretion.

What impact did the Reform Era have on police-community relations?

Police officers became isolated from the public due to an overreliance on patrol cars.

What prompted the reassessment of police roles during the Community Era?

A crime wave that swept the US.

What is community policing?

It emphasizes positive and constructive relationships between police officers and citizens.

Define probable cause.

Reasonable grounds to believe that certain actions, such as searching or arresting a person, are warranted.

What are the 4 sources of probable cause?

1. Personal observation, 2. Information, 3. Evidence in plain view, 4. Association with known criminals.

How can personal observation infer probable cause?

Through situations that may not be obviously criminal based on police training and experience.

What types of information can serve as a source of probable cause?

Insight received from victims and eyewitnesses.

What evidence can be considered for probable cause?

Evidence that is in plain view at the scene.

How does association contribute to probable cause?

If police see a person with a known criminal background in a situation where criminal activity is occurring.