General
The primary purpose of criminal law
To make society safe and to punish and rehabilitate offenders
True or False: Civil law focuses on punishing individuals for crimes.
False – it focuses on compensating individuals for losses
How long is the typical punishment for a felony?
At least one year in prison
Who makes criminal laws in the United States
U.S. Congress and state legislatures
Which branch of government is responsible for enforcing laws?
Executive branch
What authoritative source defines law as “a body of rules of action or conduct prescribed by controlling authority”
Black’s Law Dictionary
This defines processes used in criminal cases
Criminal Procedure
What are the three general classifications of crimes based on seriousness?
Felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions
Name one source of criminal law besides the Constitution.
Statutes, ordinances, regulations, common law, or the Model Penal Code
What term describes the system where each branch of government has separate powers?
Separation of powers
True or False: Most criminal prosecutions in the U.S. happen at the federal level.
False – most happen under state law.
This defines what conduct is criminal
Substantive Law
What is an example of a punishment that bridges civil and criminal law?
Punitive damages in tort actions
What is the highest form of law in the United States?
The Constitution
What term describes a system of government in which both local and national governments have jurisdiction.
Federalism