Test Bank for Introduction to Criminal Justice 5th Edition by Peak, Herold
ISBN: 9781071848982
Introduction to Criminal Justice (5th)
ISBN 9781071848982 | Chapter 1: Learning Objectives
Total Questions: 100
Easy
Multiple Choice (24)
Q1. [Multiple Choice]
Which theory suggests that property holders become members of a commonwealth only with their express consent to submit to the government of the commonwealth?
a) Jefferson's theory of democracy
b) Hobbes's social contract theory
c) Locke's theory of tacit consent ✓ correct
d) Rousseau's conflict theory
Q2. [Multiple Choice]
Who has the discretion to drop charges if they decide that the evidence against the person accused is weak?
a) prosecutor ✓ correct
b) judge
c) police
d) victim
Q3. [Multiple Choice]
Information that would lead a person to believe that another has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime is known as ______.
a) indictment
b) circumstantial evidence
c) probable cause ✓ correct
d) preponderance of the evidence
Q4. [Multiple Choice]
The written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged against the person accused and issued by a grand jury is known as ______.
a) information
b) indictment ✓ correct
c) interdiction
d) accusation
Q5. [Multiple Choice]
At which stage of the criminal justice process is the person accused informed of the charges and their rights and asked to enter a plea to the charges?
a) initial appearance
b) arraignment ✓ correct
c) probable cause hearing
d) preliminary hearing
Q6. [Multiple Choice]
What is anolo contendereplea?
a) The person accused immediately enters a plea of guilty.
b) The person accused enters a plea of guilty but does not accept responsibility for the crime.
c) The person accused accepts the penalty ordered by the court without admitting guilt. ✓ correct
d) The person accused enters a plea of not guilty.
Q7. [Multiple Choice]
At which of the following is the person accused given the opportunity to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest?
a) arraignment ✓ correct
b) adjudication
c) appellate hearing
d) arrest
Q8. [Multiple Choice]
What is another term for when a defendant is found “not guilty”?
a) expunged
b) conviction
c) acquittal ✓ correct
d) expulsion
Q9. [Multiple Choice]
A criminal defendant can be found guilty by a jury, a judge, or through a guilty plea. What is this legal finding called?
a) conviction ✓ correct
b) acquittal
c) incarceration
d) penalty
Q10. [Multiple Choice]
______ circumstances are elements that tend to increase the blame held by the person who committed the crime.
a) Mitigating
b) Aggravating ✓ correct
c) Special
d) Major
Q11. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following sentences requires the person convicted to pay compensation to the victim?
a) fines
b) probation
c) restitution ✓ correct
d) reconciliation
Q12. [Multiple Choice]
What is a sentencing option open to the court that allows a convicted person to remain at liberty as long as they comply with certain conditions and restrictions?
a) parole
b) probation ✓ correct
c) diversion
d) restitution
Q13. [Multiple Choice]
People who are incarcerated for 1 year or more typically are housed in which of the following?
a) local jail
b) detention facility
c) state prison ✓ correct
d) halfway house
Q14. [Multiple Choice]
If a person is incarcerated for less than a year, where will they likely serve their sentence?
a) federal prison
b) local jail ✓ correct
c) halfway house
d) detention facility
Q15. [Multiple Choice]
An array of sanctions that fall between probation and incarceration are referred to as ______ sanctions.
a) intermediate ✓ correct
b) transitional
c) medium d) variable
Q16. [Multiple Choice]
The conditional release of a person before their full sentence has been served is known as ______.
a) parole ✓ correct
b) probation
c) diversion
d) restitution
Q17. [Multiple Choice]
Which term refers to a sentence whereby someone receives a fixed number of years in prison?
a) indeterminate
b) determinate ✓ correct
c) absolute
d) restorative
Q18. [Multiple Choice]
Certain offenses, such as truancy and running away, are only illegal when they’re committed by juveniles. What are these offenses called?
a) delinquency offenses
b) administrative codes
c) status offenses ✓ correct
d) youth ordinances
Q19. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following describes people who recidivate?
a) They will be released from prison to parole.
b) They have completed probation supervision.
c) They have committed a new crime. ✓ correct
d) They are juveniles sent to the adult court for processing.
Q20. [Multiple Choice]
Which model of criminal justice portrays the criminal justice process as a four-tiered hierarchy?
a) consensus
b) conflict
c) crime control
d) wedding cake ✓ correct
Q21. [Multiple Choice]
At which layer of the wedding cake model of crime do most criminal matters occur?
a) celebrated cases
b) serious felonies
c) lesser felonies
d) misdemeanors ✓ correct
Q22. [Multiple Choice]
Questions regarding whether police officers should receive free food from restaurants or free coffee from convenience stores are what kind of dilemmas?
a) legal
b) ethical ✓ correct
c) false
d) honesty
Q23. [Multiple Choice]
What are rules that spell out appropriate human conduct?
a) ethics ✓ correct
b) legalities
c) honesty
d) laws
Q24. [Multiple Choice]
Character is said to be how we behave when ______ is watching.
a) society
b) our family
c) everyone
d) no one ✓ correct
True/False (6)
Q25. [True/False]
Prosecuting attorneys exercise discretion when determining whether or not to bring charges against a person who has been arrested.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q26. [True/False]
Police officers decide whether to bring criminal charges against a person who has been arrested.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q27. [True/False]
The person accused has the option of having a trial by jury or trial by bench.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q28. [True/False]
For all offenses, when the person accused has been convicted of a crime, the judge determines the sentence.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q29. [True/False]
Ethics refers to a set of rules or values that spell out appropriate human conduct.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q30. [True/False]
The maximum age of original juvenile court jurisdiction in delinquency matters is 16 in most states.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Essay (2)
Q31. [Essay]
What are the tiers of crimes in the wedding cake model?
Suggested answer: Sample response: The tiers are celebrated cases, serious felonies, lesser felonies, and misdemeanors.
Q32. [Essay]
Identify the different types of pleas that defendants can enter during the arraignment stage.
Suggested answer: Sample response: A defendant can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Medium
Multiple Choice (23)
Q33. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following is a criticism of the three strikes law?
a) It was infrequently used.
b) It only applied to serious felonies.
c) It was disproportionately used against marginalized groups. ✓ correct
d) It was rejected by judges.
Q34. [Multiple Choice]
Which statement is true of “three strikes” laws?
a) A person with three qualifying convictions (misdemeanors or felonies) is sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison.
b) A person with three qualifying felonies is sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. ✓ correct
c) A person with three qualifying felonies is no longer eligible for probation supervision.
d) A person with three qualifying convictions (misdemeanors or felonies) is no longer eligible for probation supervision.
Q35. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following statements illustrates the assumptions of the conflict theory of justice?
a) Members of a society share common values and beliefs.
b) Laws are created as a result of agreement among members of a society.
c) Citizens share wide agreement on what behaviors can be considered “good” and “bad.”
d) Laws are created to protect the dominant position of the powerful groups. ✓ correct
Q36. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following models of the criminal justice process focuses on deterring crime through swift punishment and puts less emphasis on the rights of the person accused?
a) due process
b) crime control ✓ correct
c) conflict
d) consensus
Q37. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following statements most closely describes the due process model of criminal justice?
a) Criminal defendants are presumed guilty, and the courts should not stand in the way of effective enforcement of the laws.
b) Criminal defendants are presumed innocent, and the courts' first priority is protecting the constitutional rights of the person accused. ✓ correct
c) Criminal defendants are presumed innocent, and crime is seen as a result of individual moral failure.
d) Criminal defendants are presumed guilty, and crime is seen as a result of social influences such as poverty and unemployment.
Q38. [Multiple Choice]
What is the main focus of the due process model of criminal justice?
a) fairness ✓ correct
b) crime control
c) conflict
d) deterrence
Q39. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following statements most closely describes the crime control model of criminal justice?
a) Criminal defendants are presumed guilty, and the courts should not stand in the way of effective enforcement of the laws. ✓ correct
b) Criminal defendants are presumed innocent, and the courts’ first priority is protecting the constitutional rights of the person accused.
c) Criminal defendants are presumed innocent, and crime is seen as a result of individual moral failure.
d) Criminal defendants are presumed guilty, and crime is seen as a result of social influences such as poverty and unemployment.
Q40. [Multiple Choice]
Who of the following makes the discretionary decision as to whether to stop, search, or arrest?
a) prosecutor
b) police officer ✓ correct
c) judge
d) defense lawyer
Q41. [Multiple Choice]
What type of discretion do judges exercise?
a) deciding whether to stop, search, or arrest an individual
b) filing formal charges
c) setting bail, denying bail, and imposing sentences ✓ correct
d) disciplines incarcerated persons for violations committed in prison
Q42. [Multiple Choice]
After the criminal justice flow and process begins, the person suspected of committing the crime must be arrested. What is the next formal step in the criminal justice process after arrest?
a) sentencing
b) adjudication
c) corrections
d) prosecution ✓ correct
Q43. [Multiple Choice]
The prosecutor’s discretion involves whether or not to ______.
a) read the person accused their Miranda rights
b) set bail
c) sentence the person convicted
d) file formal charges ✓ correct
Q44. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following statements is true of grand jury proceedings?
a) Both the prosecutor and defense attorneys outline the evidence to the grand jury.
b) The judge determines if there is probable cause to believe the person accused committed the crime.
c) The defendant enters a plea at the grand jury trial.
d) If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence, it submits an indictment to the court. ✓ correct
Q45. [Multiple Choice]
If an accused person is considered not to be a flight risk, they may be released without having to provide bail. What is this called?
a) released without reservation
b) released on recognizance ✓ correct
c) released without bail
d) released without bond
Q46. [Multiple Choice]
In a preliminary hearing, a judge must determine whether or not there is probable cause to believe that the person accused committed a crime and should be tried. What is another way that probable cause may be determined prior to a trial?
a) through an appellate decision
b) through prosecutorial discretion
c) through a bench trial
d) through a grand jury ✓ correct
Q47. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following is likely to occur at an initial appearance?
a) The judge will inform the person accused of the charges. ✓ correct
b) The grand jury will determine if there is probable cause to believe the person accused committed a crime.
c) The person accused will enter a plea.
d) The judge will determine an appropriate sentence.
Q48. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following would be an example of an aggravating circumstance?
a) The person accused was 14 years old at the time the crime was committed.
b) The person accused tortured the victim. ✓ correct
c) The person accused did not have a criminal record.
d) The person accused was caught in the act.
Q49. [Multiple Choice]
Which of the following statements is true of the appellate process?
a) The person accused is given a new trial in front of the appellate court.
b) The person accused is given the option of a new trial in front of a different court.
c) The appellate court determines if there were any errors made at the trial.
d) The appellate court determines whether errors at trial adversely affected the fairness of the trial process or the person accused's constitutional rights. ✓ correct
Q50. [Multiple Choice]
What happens when an individual is convicted and sentenced to death?
a) Their sentence is automatically converted to “life in prison without the possibility of parole.”
b) Their case is automatically appealed. ✓ correct
c) They are immediately given a date and time for their execution.
d) They are refused the opportunity to appeal their case.
Q51. [Multiple Choice]
Aaron Hernandez was a former NFL player who was convicted of murdering a former friend. His case would be considered a “celebrated case” in the wedding cake model. If a person who was not a public figure carried out an identical crime, that case would fall under which layer of the wedding cake model?
a) celebrated cases
b) serious felonies ✓ correct
c) lesser felonies
d) misdemeanors
Q52. [Multiple Choice]
Which example would best be used to illustrate the conflict theory of justice?
a) the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
b) the crack/powder cocaine sentencing disparity ✓ correct
c) the use of intermediate sanctions
d) the rulings of the Supreme Court
Q53. [Multiple Choice]
What is the dark figure of crime?
a) crimes committed at night
b) crime on the dark web
c) crimes committed on the black market
d) crimes not reported to police ✓ correct
Q54. [Multiple Choice]
Cases on which layer of the wedding cake model are most likely to be plead out before going to trial?
a) celebrated case
b) serious felony
c) lesser felony
d) misdemeanor ✓ correct
Q55. [Multiple Choice]
According to Kennedy, which of the following is an example of unethical behavior taught to young children?
a) backtalking elders
b) cutting classes
c) telling lies ✓ correct
d) being late
True/False (14)
Q56. [True/False]
Three-strikes laws stipulate that all people who offend must be sentenced to life in prison after their third felony conviction.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q57. [True/False]
Hobbes argued that all people were essentially irrational and selfish, but they had just enough rationality to come together to form governments for self-protection.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q58. [True/False]
Rousseau described consensus within the ruling group and the need to use force and other means to ensure the compliance of other groups.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q59. [True/False]
The due process model posits that defendants should be presumed innocent and that granting too much freedom to law enforcement will result in the loss of freedom and civil liberties for all Americans.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q60. [True/False]
The crime control model believes that punishment will serve as a deterrent to crime, but there must be expedience and finality in the courts to ensure the deterrent effect.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q61. [True/False]
If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence to bind a criminal case over for trial, it will issue an information to the court, a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged against the person accused.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q62. [True/False]
At the preliminary hearing, there must be a finding of proof beyond a reasonable doubt for the case to continue.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q63. [True/False]
When the person accused enters a plea ofnolo contendere, they accept the penalty ordered by the court without admitting their guilt.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q64. [True/False]
If the appellate court agrees to hear a case, it means the defendant will have a new trial in front of the appellate court.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct Correct answer: False
Q65. [True/False]
States with the death penalty have an automatic appeal for cases in which a defendant has been sentenced to death.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q66. [True/False]
The wedding cake model of criminal justice depicts the raw number of crimes committed, followed by those reported to the police, those filed by the prosecutor, and those where a conviction is secured.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q67. [True/False]
The case of the Aurora Colorado movie theater shooting is an example of a celebrated case.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q68. [True/False]
A good portion of the lesser felony cases will be filtered out of the system prior to trial and end in plea agreements.
a) True ✓ correct b) False
Correct answer: True
Q69. [True/False]
Police officers are more likely to deal with misdemeanors cases informally and use their discretion to determine whether an arrest is necessary.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Essay (14)
Q70. [Essay]
Who was Kalief Browder and what legislative change resulted from his case?
Suggested answer: Sample response: Browder was a 16-year-old who was convicted of stealing a backpack and spent time in solitary confinement although he was never tried or convicted. He committed suicide. Then-President Obama signed an executive order banning solitary confinement of juveniles following his death.
Q71. [Essay]
Explain the two different means by which the probable cause determination is made
Suggested answer: Sample response: Probable cause can be determined by a preliminary hearing or a grand jury. Which is used depends on the jurisdiction.
Q72. [Essay]
How does the legislature use discretion and why is discretion needed?
Suggested answer: Sample response: The legislature chooses what issues are the most important and create laws that best reflect society’s priorities. They cannot make laws outlawing all possible harmful behaviors, so they have to focus on the most important.
Q73. [Essay]
Describe how the initial appearance, preliminary hearing, and arraignment differ from each other.
Suggested answer: Sample response: At initial appearance, the defendant finds out the charges against them, gets an attorney, and decisions are made about bail. At the preliminary hearing, the judge or grand jury decides if there is enough evidence to charge the defendant. At arraignment, the defendant enters their plea.
Q74. [Essay]
Explain what happens when a person requests an appellate review.
Suggested answer: Sample response: A defendant requests a higher court review their trial to make sure that there were no errors at trial that had an adverse outcome on the defendant and that their constitutional rights were honored.
Q75. [Essay]
Explain the difference between probation and parole.
Suggested answer: Sample response: Probation is a sentence that allows a person to remain free in the community while under correctional supervision. Parole is for those who have served time in prison and are released to have the remainder of their sentence in the community.
Q76. [Essay]
Differentiate between a determinate sentence and an indeterminate sentence.
Suggested answer: Sample response: A determinate sentence is a fixed number of years in prison. An indeterminant sentence is a range of time that a person can serve, dependent on behavior in prison.
Q77. [Essay]
Discuss the parole process from the determination of eligibility until completion of sentence and what happens if the person commits a new crime.
Suggested answer: Sample response: Parole is the conditional release of someone before they have completed their full sentence. A parole board determines eligibility. If a person on parole commits a new crime, they can be returned to prison.
Q78. [Essay]
Why is ethical behavior such an important consideration in the criminal justice system?
Suggested answer: Sample response: Actors in the criminal justice system have a great deal of discretion doing their jobs, so they have the chance to abuse their power if they are not ethical.
Q79. [Essay]
What is meant by “the ends justify the means” when it comes to police officer misconduct?
Suggested answer: Sample response: According to the phrase, “the ends justify the means,” police officers can violate the rights of citizens to ensure that they get a conviction, and they believe that they have done the right thing because they have gotten a guilty person off the streets.
Q80. [Essay]
Discuss the importance of the discretion of judges in the criminal justice system.
Suggested answer: Sample response: Even with sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums, judges often have some discretion in sentencing. They can examine mitigating and aggravating circumstances and decide the blameworthiness of people and adjust sentences accordingly.
Q81. [Essay]
Contrast the consensus theory of justice and the conflict theory of justice. What different assumptions does each theory make regarding human society? Which do you agree most with, and why?
Suggested answer: Sample response: The consensus theory is that most people share a common set of beliefs and agree on what is right and wrong. They can put aside their differences and come together to protect the community from those that they agree are dangerous. Laws are passed that reflect common values and the population as a whole can have values shift and change laws, but the majority of society agrees. The conflict theory argues that laws reflect the views of the most powerful. Laws are made so that marginalized groups are likely to be labeled criminal and those in power have their deviant behaviors classified as eccentric or charming. I agree with both perspectives. Many crimes like rape and murder are agreed upon by society and almost everyone agrees that they should be illegal. It is the more minor crimes or quality of life crimes that target the marginalized and excuse the behavior of those in power.
Q82. [Essay]
Contrast the original intent of the three-strikes laws in California with the law that was finally enacted and discuss the consequences of the law.
Suggested answer: Sample response: The three strikes law was passed after the murder of Polly Klass. The intention was to prevent people who repeatedly committed violent crimes from having another opportunity to hurt anyone else. Instead, all people convicted of felonies, including nonviolent offenses, could be sentenced to 25 years to life on a third conviction. People addicted to drugs may commit three felonies due to their addiction for crimes such as burglary or drug possession and end up in prison for years. These people do not pose a danger to society and are not the people the three strikes law was designed to target. As consequence of the three strikes law, prisons became seriously overcrowded with people who had committed nonviolent offenses. The three strikes law also was disproportionately used against Black people. The criminal justice system appeared unfairly harsh, cruel and unusual.
Q83. [Essay]
How does society balance crime control with due process? Is it better for some guilty people to go free or some innocent people to be wrongly convicted? Why?
Suggested answer: Sample response: Controlling crime is important because without any crime control, people will not be safe. In the U.S. we put great value on due process, so the general consensus is that it is better to have guilty people go free than an innocent person be convicted. A rush to judgement and cutting corners on due process have led to innocent people being convicted. While there are some people who do get off on technicalities, it is not common. Most people take pleas and are held accountable for their crimes. Even when people get new trials based on technicalities, this more often results in a new trial than someone just being let out completely free. In my opinion, it is better to have guilty go free than to have the innocent be convicted.
Hard
Multiple Choice (13)
Q84. [Multiple Choice]
During the early days of affordable automobiles, society began to recognize that drunk driving was a significant threat to public safety. The public advocated for the first laws prohibiting drunk driving emerged in 1920 in order to protect the well-being of all citizens from drunk drivers. Which theory best explains the emergence of drunk driving laws?
a) conflict theory of justice
b) consensus theory of justice ✓ correct
c) tacit consent theory
d) crime control theory model
Q85. [Multiple Choice]
In May of 2017, Atlanta Officer Che Milton responded to a shoplifting call at a Family Dollar store. When he arrived, he asked the 12-year-old girl why she had attempted to steal a US$2 pair of shoes. The girl responded that her 5-year-old sister needed shoes, but the family could not afford them. Officer Milton used his own judgment to examine her circumstances, and realized she needed help, not punishment. Instead of arresting the girl, he decided to buy her family pizzas and put them in contact with a social worker. What authority was he using in this situation?
a) discretion ✓ correct
b) autonomy
c) leadership
d) favoritism
Q86. [Multiple Choice]
A police officer accused of planting evidence opted to waive his right to a trial by a jury of his peers. Instead, he chose to be tried by a judge. The judge heard both the prosecution and defense sides of the case, and then decided the case on her own. What is this called?
a) arraignment
b) bank trial
c) mistrial
d) bench trial ✓ correct
Q87. [Multiple Choice]
A 16-year-old boy is convicted of sexually molesting his 13-year-old neighbor. The judge ultimately decided not to levy the maximum sentence against the boy because of several factors, including his age, his lack of a criminal record, and the fact that he had also been a victim of sexual abuse earlier in his childhood. All of these circumstances reduced the boy’s blame. What are these circumstances called?
a) aggravating circumstances
b) alleviating circumstances
c) mitigating circumstances ✓ correct
d) reducing circumstances
Q88. [Multiple Choice]
A person is convicted of a murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. What type of sentence will this person serve?
a) sanctioned
b) conditional
c) indeterminate
d) determinate ✓ correct
Q89. [Multiple Choice]
A young man was sentenced to 5–10 years in prison, and is likely to be out early due to good behavior. What type of sentence was he given?
a) indeterminate ✓ correct
b) determinate
c) absolute
d) restorative
Q90. [Multiple Choice]
In 1994, Orenthal James “OJ” Simpson was tried for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The 11-month televised trial that ended with his acquittal has been described as the most publicized criminal trial in history, with an estimated 51 million audience watching the verdict. Based on this information, in what layer of the wedding cake model would this case belong?
a) celebrated cases ✓ correct
b) serious felonies
c) lesser felonies
d) misdemeanors
Q91. [Multiple Choice]
A man is arrested for embezzling $500 from his place of employment. This is the first time he has ever committed a crime, and he decides to take a plea agreement. In which layer of the wedding cake model would this case belong?
a) celebrated cases
b) serious felonies
c) lesser felonies ✓ correct
d) misdemeanors
Q92. [Multiple Choice]
Efa is running for elected position in her city. She makes cracking down on property crimes an essential part of her platform, arguing that police should be allowed wider latitude in making sure that people who offend are put behind bars, no matter how minor the crime. Efa would most likely agree with the ______.
a) crime control model ✓ correct
b) consensus theory of justice
c) due process model
d) conflict theory of justice
Q93. [Multiple Choice]
Seo-Jun works for a nonprofit outreach group that helps make sure indigent people know their constitutional rights in case they are accused of crimes. He believes the criminal justice process should be slow and deliberate to make sure these rights are preserved. Seo-Jun would most likely agree with the ______.
a) crime control model
b) consensus theory of justice
c) due process model ✓ correct
d) conflict theory of justice
Q94. [Multiple Choice]
Carllou is arrested for possession of cocaine. He has never been arrested before and has a job as a server but admits cocaine has become a problem for him. The prosecutor says that if Carllou successfully completes a six-month drug treatment program, the charges will be dropped. What is this an example of?
a) diversion from prosecution ✓ correct
b) intermediate sanctioning
c) return to rehabilitation
d) pushback on drug reform
Q95. [Multiple Choice]
Officer Yokota is on trial for shooting and killing an unarmed man. The case has generated a lot of controversy. The trial is being live streamed on Court TV so that anyone who wants to can watch gavel to gavel. Based on the wedding cake model, what type of case is this?
a) celebrated case ✓ correct
b) serious felony
c) lesser felony
d) misdemeanor
Q96. [Multiple Choice]
Two men break into a house. They tie up the family living in the house and pistol whip the father until he unlocks a safe in the bedroom. Where would this crime go on the wedding cake?
a) celebrated crime
b) serious felony ✓ correct
c) lesser felony
d) misdemeanor
Essay (4)
Q97. [Essay]
Explain what is meant by, “The law is not static,” and give an example.
Suggested answer: Sample response: Laws change with the times. For example, alcohol was outlawed during prohibition and then it was made legal again. There were two amendments to the Constitution to handle this change.
Q98. [Essay]
Provide an example of an ethical dilemma that players within the criminal justice system can face.
Suggested answer: Sample response: A police officer sees a fellow officer stealing a bracelet from a crime scene. The officer should report the other officer, but the code between officers is that they do not tell on each other.
Q99. [Essay]
What are some examples of aggravating and mitigating circumstances? Give an example of a time when each would apply.
Suggested answer: Sample response: Aggravating circumstances increase the blameworthiness of the person being charged. This could be doing something cruel such as extreme harm and lack of remorse. Mitigating circumstances decrease the blameworthiness of the defendant. Mitigating circumstances are things like being especially young. A case with aggravating circumstances would be murdering a child in front of the mother to make her suffer more. The cruelty for the sake of being cruel makes it especially heinous. A mitigating circumstance could be a child who had been abused killing their abusive parent. Although murder is an extreme response, it is more understandable how a child or teen could feel that there is no other way to stop the abuse and they have already suffered enough.
Q100. [Essay]
What is an example of a celebrated case and how did it and other celebrated cases lead to incorrect assumptions about crime and the criminal justice system?
Suggested answer: Sample response: The trial of Casey Anthony was a celebrated case. Like many celebrated cases, it led to the impression that guilty people get off if they have a good lawyer, the criminal justice system is not effective, and prosecutors cannot secure convictions even when everyone “knows” someone is guilty. Further impressions include that juries cannot be trusted to get decisions right and there are many guilty people who go free and are living in society. This and other celebrated cases also make it seem as though there are a lot of violent crimes and that most of the crime that occurs is violent.