Definitions
Define "moral panic"
A moral panic is a widespread feeling of fear, often an irrational one, that some evil person or thing threatens the values, interests, or well-being of a community or society.
What are the three "elements" of crime
1. actus reus
2. mens rea
3. causation
a set of ideas holding that racial bias is inherent in many parts of western society, especially in its legal and social institutions, on the basis of their having been primarily designed for and implemented by white people.
What is the "vagueness doctrine"
A constitutional rule that requires criminal laws to state explicitly and definitely what conduct is punishable.
Laws cannot be vague they must be very clear and defined
Explain one way we measure crime
National Victimization Survey (NCVS)
Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR)
National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)
Define "malum prohibita"
A crime that is only a crime because the law says so
What is a "misdemeanor"
a crime punishable to a year or less in JAIL
proposal that pressure derived from social factors, such as lack of income or lack of quality education, drives individuals to commit crime.
street crime -things such as buglary, murder, gang affiliation, drug possesion
white collar crime- embezzling, tax evasion, fraud, money laundering
Define "malum in se"
wrong in itself
What is a "felony"
A felony is a more intense crime punishable in PRISON
Explain "Marixism"
the struggle for resources in capitalism, crime emerges as those on the bottom contend for social, political, and economic equality.
a criminal statute that punishes actions retroactively, thereby criminalizing conduct that was legal when originally performed
Name a type of defense
Self-defense
justification
failure to prove
a typical example or pattern of something; a model.
What is a "strict liability law"
ex: rape, drug possesion
many criminals were driven by unconscious guilt which preceded the crime and led to a need for punishment
Explain "rule of law"
everyone is held to the same standards
no one is above the law
What does the typical criminal look like/ who is most likely to commit a crime
young male
Define "discretion"
he power of a judge, public official or private party to act according to the dictates of their own judgment and conscience within general legal principles
Explain the difference between crimes against a person and crimes against the state
Crimes against a person are directly affecting someone
ex: murder
Crimes against the state are general
ex: treason
focuses on the physio- logical factors, not just genetic factors, which may be related to antisocial behavior
three branches of government with individual responsibilities
What are the three components of the criminal justice system
courts
corrections
law enforcment