Quiz on American Criminal Justice System Article

What do most Americans believe about the country's criminal justice system?

• It is effective and punitive

• It is ineffective and rehabilitative

• It is effective and rehabilitative

• It is ineffective and punitive

According to the research, what is the public's preference in dealing with crime?

• Implementing rehabilitation programs

• Addressing the causes of crime

• Strict sentencing

• Increasing police presence

Which demographic groups have shown a shift in favor of addressing the causes of crime?

• Women, minorities, and college graduates

• Men, whites, and people with less than a college degree

• Democrats, atheists, and low-income earners

• Republicans, fundamentalist Protestants, and wealthy individuals

What budget area do Americans prioritize for reduction to balance the budget?

• Transportation

• Childcare for working families

• Healthcare

• Prisons

How do Americans view drug abuse?

• As a personal choice with no intervention needed

• As a social issue requiring community support

• As a serious crime requiring court and prison intervention

• As a medical problem requiring counseling and treatment

What do Americans believe about the effectiveness of prisons?

• Prisons provide rehabilitation and reentry programs

• Prisons are warehouses with no rehabilitation or reentry programs

• Prisons are overcrowded and need expansion

• Prisons are effective at reducing recidivism rates

What is the public's opinion on mandatory sentencing laws?

• They should be expanded to include more offenses

• They should be eliminated in favor of judicial discretion

• They should be reformed to include rehabilitation programs

• They should be maintained and enforced

What do Americans consider as the most important function of the criminal justice system?

• Rehabilitation and reintegration

• Punishment and deterrence

• Prevention of crime

• Protection of victims

Which preventive measure is perceived as most effective at reducing crime?

• Values education

• Increased police presence

• After-school activities

• Character education

What do the studies released by The Sentencing Project and The Justice Policy Institute suggest?

• States are increasing imprisonment for nonviolent offenders

• States are shifting towards prevention and rehabilitation approaches

• States are implementing stricter sentencing policies

• States are reducing funding for after-school programs