Criminal Justice Vocabulary Flashcard

Front

What is the definition of "Crime" in the context of the criminal justice system?

Back

An act that violates the law and is punishable by the government

Front

Which term refers to the system of practices and institutions used for upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, and sanctioning those who violate laws?

Back

Criminal Justice

Front

What does "Deviance" mean in the context of criminal justice?

Back

Behavior that violates social norms or expectations

Front

Which goal of punishment is focused on discouraging people from committing crimes by making an example of offenders?

Back

Deterrence

Front

Which of the following best describes "Due Process"? Options: The process of punishing criminals without a trial, The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, The act of committing a crime, The method of rehabilitating offenders

Back

The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person

Front

Which of the following is an example of incapacitation as a goal of the criminal justice system? Providing therapy to offenders, Imprisoning a criminal to prevent further offenses, Educating the public about laws, Requiring community service

Back

Imprisoning a criminal to prevent further offenses

Front

How does rehabilitation differ from retribution as a goal of the criminal justice system?

Back

Rehabilitation aims to reform offenders, while retribution seeks to punish them for their crimes.

Front

Which scenario best illustrates the principle of due process in the criminal justice system? A suspect is arrested and immediately sentenced without a trial. A suspect is given a fair trial with legal representation before any punishment is decided. A suspect is punished based on public opinion. A suspect is released without any investigation.

Back

A suspect is given a fair trial with legal representation before any punishment is decided.

Front

A city is experiencing a rise in property crimes. The local government decides to increase police patrols and impose harsher penalties for offenders. Which goal of the criminal justice system is primarily being emphasized in this scenario?

Back

Deterrence

Front

A judge is deciding between sentencing an offender to prison or enrolling them in a drug treatment program. What factors should the judge consider to align with the goal of rehabilitation?

Back

The offender’s potential to change and the underlying causes of their behavior