Strand 1 Flashcards
Overview of the Criminal Justice System
Cops (police)
Investigate crimes and enforce laws
Courts
Determine guilt or innocence, ensure due process
Corrections
Implement sentencing, manage prisons and rehabilitation
What does the legislative branch do?
Make the laws (statutory laws)
What does the executive branch do?
Enforce the laws (administrative laws)
What does the judicial branch do?
Interpret the law (case laws)
Crime is:
An act that violates a criminal law, which has a punishment
Consensus model
Rules that the majority of society agrees to be right and wrong
Conflict model
When laws are made that are not agreed to by the majority- may benefit some but hurt others
Federalism
There are both State and Federal governments, which operate alongside each other
Bill of rights
First 10 amendments to the Constitution which describes the unalienable rights of the people
Law enforcement
Part of the Criminal Justice system that enforces laws, ensures public safety, and has the authority to arrest
Court system
Part of the Criminal Justice system that holds trials, ensures legal procedures, and can determine innocence and guilt
Corrections system
Part of the Criminal Justice system to hold convicted criminals in different facilities
Positivism
A theory that asserts the criminal behavior is a result of psychological, biological, or social factors, rather than a conscious choice
Strain theory
When individuals face hardships that increase the difficulty of leading a positive and successful life
Choice theory
Theory that individuals commit crimes after weighing the potential benefits against the potential risks
Social disorganization
A theory that attributes crime and deviant behavior to neighborhood characteristics. Suggests a lack of social cohesion and communal control
Anomie
A condition in which the individual feels a disconnect from society because of the breakdown or absence of social norms
Neurocriminology
Scientific study how hormone changes can affect the brain and affect criminal behavior
Labeling theory
If society labels the offender as a criminal, they see themselves as a criminal and conduct criminal behavior
Control theory
We all have the ability to commit a crime but are dissuaded from it because of how our family and friends would view us
Psychoanalytic theory
The id, ego, and superego have an effect on the brain, and people don’t have conscious control of these thoughts
Learning theory
Criminal activity is learned behavior from family, friends, and the neighborhood
1st amendment
Freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and press
4th amendment
An officer can’t search your house, person, effects, or papers without a warrant and probable cause
5th amendment
Due process, no double jeopardy, remain silent, eminent domain
6th amendnent
Right to an attorney, speedy trial by jury, confrontation clause
8th amendment
No cruel/unusual punishment, no excessive bail/fines
14th amendment
Grants citizenship, equal protection under law to all citizens
