Intro to Criminal Justice: Quiz with Answers

What were the main differences in crime between the Old West and U.S. cities in the 19th century?

• Old West: vigilante justice, limited formal law enforcement; Cities: gangs, organized crime, professional police forces.

• Old West: organized crime, professional police forces; Cities: vigilante justice, limited formal law enforcement.

• Old West: high-tech surveillance, cybercrime; Cities: cattle rustling, stagecoach robberies.

• Old West: strict gun control, low crime rates; Cities: no law enforcement, peaceful communities.

When and where was the first modern police agency established?

• 1829, London Metropolitan Police founded by Sir Robert Peel.

• 1848, New York City Police Department established by Mayor William Havemeyer.

• 1776, Paris Police Prefecture established by King Louis XVI.

• 1901, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department established by Emperor Meiji.

What were the findings of early commissions studying the U.S. justice system?

• Found inefficiency, lack of coordination; led to reforms and modernization.

• Found the system to be perfectly efficient and coordinated.

• Concluded that no reforms were necessary.

• Discovered that the justice system was the most advanced in the world.

What was the LEAA and how did it impact criminal justice?

• Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (1969–1982): provided funding and research, modernized policing and CJ system.

• Legal Education and Advocacy Association: focused on legal education for the public.

• Law Enforcement Advisory Agency: regulated police hiring standards only.

• Local Emergency Aid Association: provided disaster relief to communities.

Define evidence-based justice. Why is it important?

• Evidence-based justice uses scientific methods to test effectiveness of policies. Important for fairness, cost-efficiency, and long-term results.

• Evidence-based justice relies solely on traditional practices without scientific evaluation.

• Evidence-based justice focuses only on punishment rather than policy effectiveness.

• Evidence-based justice ignores data and relies on anecdotal evidence.

List and explain the five unifying principles of evidence-based justice.

• Target audience (right group); Randomized experiments (random assignment); Intervening factors (help/hinder success); Measurement of success (long-term outcomes); Cost-effectiveness (weigh benefits vs. costs).

• Strict punishment; Public opinion; Media coverage; Political influence; Quick results.

• Legal tradition; Jury selection; Courtroom procedure; Attorney experience; Case law.

• Community service; Rehabilitation programs; Restorative justice; Victim compensation; Sentencing guidelines.

What is the difference between formal and informal social control? Give examples.

• Formal: laws, police, courts. Informal: norms, family, culture.

• Formal: only family rules. Informal: only government laws.

• Formal: traditions and customs. Informal: police and courts.

• Formal: peer pressure. Informal: written constitutions.

How do the three branches of government interact with the criminal justice system?

• Executive enforces laws; Legislative makes laws; Judicial reviews laws and sets precedent.

• Legislative enforces laws; Judicial makes laws; Executive reviews laws.

• Judicial enforces laws; Executive makes laws; Legislative reviews laws.

• Executive reviews laws; Judicial makes laws; Legislative enforces laws.

What is the difference between a grand jury, a true bill of indictment, and nolle prosequi?

• Grand jury: decides if enough evidence; True bill: indictment issued; Nolle prosequi: prosecutor drops case.

• Grand jury: issues verdict; True bill: dismisses charges; Nolle prosequi: jury trial begins.

• Grand jury: hears appeals; True bill: grants bail; Nolle prosequi: judge sentences.

• Grand jury: selects jury; True bill: files civil suit; Nolle prosequi: defendant pleads guilty.

Explain the Criminal Justice Assembly Line and the Courtroom Workgroup.

• CJ Assembly Line: high volume, streamlined process; Courtroom Workgroup: judge, prosecutor, defense, clerks cooperate to move cases.

• CJ Assembly Line: focuses on rehabilitation; Courtroom Workgroup: only includes the judge and jury.

• CJ Assembly Line: deals only with violent crimes; Courtroom Workgroup: is responsible for police training.

• CJ Assembly Line: is a slow, individualized process; Courtroom Workgroup: works independently without collaboration.