Characteristics of Defendants
Compared to the average citizen, felony defendants tend to fall into which age group?
What is significantly younger?
Who is often considered the center of the courtroom drama?
Who is the defendant?
In criminal trials, which two groups are often overlooked despite playing a role in the justice process?
Who are victims and witnesses?
Which group is more likely to be victimized by intimate partners?
Who are women?
Which 1991 Supreme Court case ruled that victim impact statements are admissible during sentencing?
What is Payne v. Tennessee?
When looking at gender, what group overwhelmingly makes up felony defendants?
Who are males?
What issue is often raised regarding a defendant's ability to stand trial or understand proceedings?
What is mental competence?
Traditionally, in criminal trials, victims and witnesses have often been what?
What is lost or forgotten?
How have police been encouraged to respond to domestic violence incidents in recent decades?
What is making more arrests?
What kind of statement allows victims or their families to describe the emotional. physical, or financial harm caused by a crime?
What is a victim impact statement?
In terms of education, felony defendants are typically _____ than the average citizen.
What is less educated?
Many defendants struggle in court because they are what when it comes to handling legal matters?
What is ill-equipped?
Which movement emerged to give victims a stronger voice and representation in the criminal justice system?
What is the victims' rights movement?
What temporary legal measure can be issued to help protect victims from their abusers?
What is a temporary protective order?
What is the concept that discusses whether juries should be allowed to hear about the pain and suffering of victims during sentencing?
What is the question of fairness versus emotional influence?
Which racial category is disproportionately represented among felony defendants?
Who are racial minorities?
Defendants are often from what kind of economic background?
What is poor?
Compared to defendants, how much research has been done victims and witnesses
What is very little research?
Why don't arrests in domestic violence cases always lead to prosecution?
What is victims sometimes change their minds and/or withdraw cooperation?
What kind of support is available to victims once trial has ended?
What are
- victim advocacy programs
- Counseling services
- Compensation funds
What type of family background are felony defendants more likely to come from?
What are broken homes?
In which 1985 Supreme Court case did the justices decide that poor defendants are entitled to psychiatric assistance when their mental competence is questioned?
What is Ake v. Oklahoma (1985)?
What role do victims and witnesses play in shaping the outcome of criminal trials despite often being overlooked?
What is providing critical testimony and evidence?
Over the last 40 years, what has increased, leading to a decline in victimization rates?
What is the growing awareness of domestic violence?
In Payne v. Tennessee, what major shift did the Supreme Court make regarding sentencing procedures?
What is allowing victim impact statements to influence sentencing decisions?