General Criminal Justice
When does the criminal justice process begin?
When a crime becomes known to Law Enforcement
What does it mean if a judge sentences someone to Indeterminate sentence?
Sentence given to a defendant in the form of a range of years to be served (e.g., 3 to 15 years).
True or False: White collar crimes are victimless crimes
False: White-collar crimes are NOT victimless crimes.
A single fraud or scam can destroy a corporation, bankrupt families through lost savings and pensions, lead to home foreclosures, introduce toxic elements in the environment, and ultimately cost investors and taxpayers billions of dollars. Though rarely thought of, and often given brief mention in criminal justice texts, white-collar crime affects more people than street and property crime combined.
What are inalienable rights?
Rights that are universal and not contingent on laws or beliefs specific to a particular government or culture.
What is the legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) limit while driving in all states?
0.08% (if you are 21+!)
What are the three primary components of the criminal justice system?
Law enforcement, courts, and corrections
What occurs at an Arraignment?
The charges are read, the defendant is informed of their rights, and the defendant enters a plea
What is the general definition of "crime" that the Vantage textbook provides?
The breaking of a law for which the criminal justice system or some other governing authority prescribes punishment.
Infotainment definition
The marketing of a highly edited and distorted combination of entertainment and information purported to be truthful and comprehensive.
Infotainment leads the viewing public to feel that they are being educated with facts and information about crime and the criminal justice system in the United States. In reality, the public is receiving a highly edited and narrow view of the topic.
Definition of Justifiable Homicide
The lawful and intentional taking of another’s life (such as in self-defense or to defend another)
What are the 5 purposes and perspectives of the criminal justice system that the Vantage textbook outlines
Crime Control, Rehabilitation, Due Process, Restorative Justice, and Nonintervention
At the conclusion of a trial, a conviction or _____ on the charges is levied
Acquittal
What are some examples of property crimes that the Vantage textbook provides?
Motor vehicle theft, burglary, and property theft
Decriminalization definition
The reduction or abolition of penalties associated with behaviors
What is the Castle Doctrine?
A legal doctrine that states that homeowners are no longer required to retreat if threatened by intruders. In some states it extends beyond homes.
What is the difference between Criminal Justice and Criminology?
Criminal Justice: Refers to the system—that is, the system of law enforcement, courts, and corrections
Criminology: Refers to the study of the nature, extent, and causes of criminal offending and criminal victimization
What does a "no bill" indicate?
That insufficient evidence is present to proceed with the case, and the accused is released if they are in jail
What are some examples of street crimes that the Vantage textbook provides?
CAN include homicide, rape, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault
Definition of the faulty criminal justice system frame
Suggests that crime occurs because of a dearth of law and order in the country and that criminals offend because they feel they can get away with it.
Crime is portrayed in the media through _____
Framing: The packaging of criminal events in the media into tidy presentations that make sharing the information easy
(Unfortunately, frames fail to allow the expression of important variation and nuances in the crimes)
What was the result of policy makers who wanted to be “tough on crime” and gain favor with voters implementing legislation such as three-strikes, habitual offending, and mandatory sentencing laws?
A massive expansion of the criminal justice population, a large number of people working in the system, and an equally dramatic increase in the cost of the system
Fancy word for when a prosecutor decides to drop charges (prosecutor willingly terminates legal proceedings before trial or a verdict)
nolle prosequi: Latin for “be unwilling to pursue”
How does New York State currently define "adultery"
Currently, in New York, adultery occurs when two people engage in sexual activities and at least one of the members of the pair has a living spouse
Definitions of "Mala in se" and "Mala prohibita"
Mala in se: Behavior that is immoral and inherently wrong by nature
Mala prohibita: Behavior that is prohibited by law
Compare and contrast the Consensus Model and Conflict Model of social control
Consensus Model: There is general agreement about what behaviors are harmful to the majority of the public and that these behaviors are deemed criminal. This model recognizes that criminal law then serves a social control function designed to protect citizens and maximize peace
Conflict Model: Based on the notions of division and disparity among members of society and the struggles for power that this causes. Those with power define what is criminal and, in doing so, exert control over the powerless. By exerting this power, those in powerful positions are able to maintain their dominance and privilege over the less fortunate