Sequence of events in the CJS Flashcards
Where does a response to crime first come from?
Individuals, families, neighborhood associations, businesses, or any other private service to the public.
What is Private crime prevention?
A commitment to stop criminal behavior by not engaging in it or condoning it by others.
How do citizens/private sector play a role in Criminal Justice?
Reporting crime, being a reliable participant in a criminal proceeding, policymaking process that affects how the criminal justice process operates, the resources available to it, and its goals and objectives.
Is there one single criminal justice system in this country?
No, criminal cases may be handled differently in different jurisdictions but court decisions based on the due process guarantees protection of the victim from the State.
True or False: Are crimes against an individual seen as crimes against the State?
True, our justice system prosecutes individuals as though they have victimized all of society.
Where does law enforcement learn about most crimes?
Reports of victims/other citizens, discovery by a police officer in the field, informants, or from investigative and intelligence work.
Who decides if formal charges will be filed with the court?
The prosecutor, after law enforcement agencies present information about the case and the accused to them.
What happens at the initial trial?
The judge or magistrate informs the accused of the charges and they decide whether there is probable cause to detain the accused. The determination of guilt can also occur here if the offense is not very serious.
What considerations get looked at when making the pretrial decision?
The defendants drug use, residence, employment, and family ties.
What is the main function of a preliminary hearing?
To discover if there is probable cause to believe that the accused committed a known crime within the jurisdiction of the court.
What is an indictment?
A written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged against the accused.
What is an information?
A formal, written accusation submitted to the court by a prosecutor
What occurs at the arraignment?
The accused is informed of the chargers, advised of the rights of criminal defendants, and asked to enter a plea to the charges.
What occurs at a sentence hearing?
Evidence of aggravating or mitigating circumstances is considered. Courts often rely on presentence investigations by probation agencies or other designated authorities, or the courts consider victim impact statements.
What are the sentencing choices available to judges and juries?
The death penalty, incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or alternatives to incarceration that’s considered more severe than probation but less than a prison term.
