Criminal Justice Midterm

Terry v. Ohio (1968) — allows an officer to pat down (frisk) a suspect for weapons.

Miranda Rights must be read when a person is in custody AND being interrogated.

Probable cause — level of proof needed to arrest someone.

Reasonable suspicion — level of proof needed to detain someone.

Plain view doctrine — police may seize evidence clearly visible if they are lawfully present.

Tennessee v. Garner (1985) — forbids shooting a fleeing suspect unless there is immediate danger to others.

Criminal Justice System branches:

Law Enforcement

Courts

Corrections

Misdemeanor — less serious crime; punishable by fine or jail up to 1 year.

Felony — more serious crime; punishable by 1 year or more in prison.

Vandalism can be a felony or misdemeanor depending on severity.

Robbery vs. larceny — robbery involves force or threat; larceny does not.

Arson — willful and malicious burning of another person’s property.

Grand vs. petty larceny — difference is the value of stolen property.

Shoplifting — legal term for stealing from a store.

Felony vs. misdemeanor — seriousness and length/type of punishment.

Vandalism’s classification depends on amount of damage and intent.

Elder abuse — physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly person.

Common signs of elder abuse — bruises, poor hygiene, fear, malnutrition, sudden money changes.

Financial exploitation — illegal or improper use of an elder’s money or assets.

Caregivers/healthcare workers are often responsible for reporting elder abuse.

If you suspect elder abuse — report it to authorities or Adult Protective Services (APS).

Effects of elder abuse — injury, depression, trauma, financial loss, death.

Neglect — abuse involving failure to provide basic needs.

Elder self-neglect — inability or refusal to care for oneself.

Adult Protective Services (APS) — government agency often involved.

Homicide — killing of one human by another.

Murder vs. manslaughter — murder involves intent/malice; manslaughter does not.

Justifiable homicide — killing legally permitted (e.g., self-defense).

Forensic pathologist’s role — determine cause and manner of death.

Felony murder — killing during the commission of a felony.

Mens rea — the mental intent behind the crime.

Malice aforethought — intent to kill or cause serious harm.

Voluntary manslaughter — intentional killing in the heat of passion.

Chain of custody — documented handling of evidence from collection to court.

Use of force continuum purpose — guide officers to use appropriate force.

First level of force — officer presence.

Reasonable force — force appropriate to the situation.

Basic firearm safety rules — treat as loaded, don’t point at anything you don’t intend to shoot, finger off trigger.

Tactical communication — gain compliance and de-escalate situations.

Cover — protection from danger.

Use of force continuum steps:

Presence

Verbal commands

Soft control

Hard control

Less-lethal force

Deadly force

Firearm safety principles — muzzle control, trigger discipline, know your target.

Primary goal of tactical communication — control situation without force.

If force is no longer necessary — stop using force immediately.

Key component of tactical communication — clear, calm verbal commands.

Most important factor — the suspect’s actions/threat level.

Critical firearm safety aspect — trigger finger discipline.

Escalation of force — increasing force as resistance increases.

Part of tactical communication strategy — active listening and command presence.

Muzzle awareness — always knowing where the firearm is pointed.

Deadly force justified — when there is an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm.