Definitions

Question 1

sentencing

Answer 1

the process by which society, through the courts, imposes sanctions and punishments on a person found guilty of criminal conduct.

Question 2

aggravating circumstances

Answer 2

increase the seriousness of the conduct. ex) previous convictions, multiple victims, excessive cruelty

Question 3

mitigating circumstances

Answer 3

decrease the seriousness of the conduct. ex) absence of previous convictions, defender was young or elderly, provocation by the victim

Question 4

pre sentence report

Answer 4

• Prepared by a probation officer to help the court decide whether the accused should be placed on probation.
• It helps the judge to decide on an appropriate sentence for a convicted offender.

Question 5

plea bargain

Answer 5

• The crown agrees to drop some charges or minimize a sentence for a plea of guilty.
• The defense and prosecution will agree on a recommended sentence in return for a guilty plea

Question 6

community service order

Answer 6

• an order for an accused to perform a certain number of hours of work in a program considered to be useful to the community.
• This provides an opportunity for the accused to achieve reconciliation between an offender and the community.

Question 7

open custody

Answer 7

custody in a community or residential center, group home, or child care institution

Question 8

secure custody

Answer 8

a place where containment or restraint is possible

Question 9

convention

Answer 9

• a type of international positive law.
• We are governed and agreed upon by states.
• A convention or treaty is defined as an instrument concluded between states in written form.

Question 10

extradition

Answer 10

One state’s surrender of a fugitive to another state within whose jurisdiction an alleged crime was committed.