Basics Flashcards
What is the definition of a crime?
Has to bewritten (code) with a punishment involved; a wrongdoing against society.
What are the two main purposes of the criminal justice system?
Protect society and hold us accountable, but do it in a fair and understandable manner.
What are the three components of the Criminal Justice System and what do they do?
Law Enforcement: This is the group of people responsible for enforcing the law and investigating crimes.
Courts: This is where trials take place and decisions are made about whether a person is guilty or innocent.
Corrections: This is the system that deals with people who have been convicted of crimes, such as prisons and jails.
What is the difference between correlation and causation?
Causation: IT CAUSES {“causal effect” (cause and effect)}
Correlation: 2 things happening at the same time
What is the “rational choice” theory of crime?
People generally act in their self-interest and make decisions to commit crime after weighing the potential risks (including getting caught and punished) against the rewards.
What does the twin and adoption studies tell us about the biological causes of crime?
That the ones that are removed from their birth family, or more or so mainly the twin, results in criminal behavior more frequently than the ones who stay.
Explain one of the social theories (sociological) of crime?
For example, social disorganization theory revolves around the concept that the majority of the time, a person’s behavior is influenced by their physical and social surroundings. Specifically, an area with weak social structures is more likely to have an abundance of crime. There may be subpar schools, deserted and vandalized buildings and high rates of unemployment.
What is the difference between civil and criminal law?
Criminal law covers state v. individual situations, whereas civil law addresses individual v. individual cases. This is where the differences lie.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
The difference is misdemeanor is a year or less, while a felony is always a year or more.
What are the four sources of law and what do they entitle??
Law comes from four sources: constitutions, which are the most important laws in a country or state. Statutes, which are laws made by the government.
Case law, which is law made by courts through their decisions.
Administrative regulations, which are rules made by government agencies.
