Crime

Question 1

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Answer 1

A mandatory minimum is a sentence, created by Congress or a state legislature, which the court must give to a person convicted of a crime, no matter what the unique circumstances of the offender or the offense are. Typically, mandatory minimums apply to gun and drug crimes and are based on only the type and weight of the drug involved or the possession or presence of a gun.

Question 2

Broken Window Policing

Answer 2

The broken windows theory of criminal justice holds that seemingly minor instances of social and physical disorder in urban spaces can contribute to an atmosphere of lawlessness that encourages more serious crimes.

Question 3

Stop and Frisk

Answer 3

A policy that permits a police officer to momentarily detain and pat down or search a person suspected of criminal activity, especially when suspected of concealing a weapon.

Question 4

Bail

Answer 4

Bail is a set of pre-trial restrictions that are imposed on a suspect to ensure that they will not hamper the judicial process. Bail is the conditional release of a defendant with the promise to appear in court when required.

Question 5

Recidivism

Answer 5

the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.