Criminal Justice Notes

Use of Force

  • Application of physical or psychological coercion by police.
  • Governed by policies emphasizing proportionality and necessity.

Noble Cause Corruption

  • Unethical or illegal actions justified to achieve a perceived greater good.

Legal Roles

  • Prosecutor: Presents case against defendant.
  • Defense Attorney: Represents the defendant.
  • Judge: Neutral officer, ensures procedures are followed.

Judge Selection

  • Appointed or elected, varies by jurisdiction.

Jury Selection

  • Preemptory Challenge: Dismissal of jurors without stated reason (limited).
  • Challenge for Cause: Dismissal based on bias, prejudice, or inability to serve.

Hickock and Smith Mistakes

  • Leaving footprints, failing to eliminate witnesses, and confessing.

Plea Bargaining

  • Defendant pleads guilty for a lesser charge or reduced sentence.

Court Appearances

  • Initial Appearance: Informed of charges, rights, and bail.
  • Preliminary Hearing: Determines if sufficient evidence for trial.
  • Arraignment: Defendant formally charged and enters a plea.

Trial Procedures

  • Opening Statement: Attorneys outline their case.
  • Direct Examination: Questioning a witness by the party who called them.

Sentencing

  • Concurrent Sentences: Served simultaneously.
  • Mandatory Punishment: Legally required penalty.

Correctional Goals

  • Rehabilitation: Reforming offenders.
  • Incapacitation: Removing offenders from society.

Probation vs. Parole

  • Probation: Alternative to incarceration, supervised community sentence.
  • Parole: Early release from prison under supervision.

Risk Factors

  • Dynamic Factors: Changeable risk factors.
  • Static Factors: Unchangeable risk factors.

Presentence Investigation

  • Gathering information about the defendant.
  • Presentence Report: Details defendant’s history and sentencing recommendations.

Criminogenic Need

  • Risk factors contributing to criminal behavior.

Intermediate Sanctions

  • Punishments between probation and incarceration.

Risk Classification (Corrections)

  • Assessing likelihood of reoffending.

Death Penalty

  • For severe crimes, varies by jurisdiction.
  • Methods: lethal injection, electrocution, etc.