Chapter 1 intro Flashcards
(64 cards)
What is the constant need in balancing values related to crime?
To balance crime control and upholding the rights and freedoms of all individuals.
What is the fundamental principle regarding individuals accused of crimes?
The idea that someone is innocent until proven guilty.
What are the main goals of the Criminal Control Model?
To repress criminal conduct.
What is the main objective of the Due Process Model?
To ensure that sentencing and convictions respect the rights of the individual at every critical stage.
How does the Due Process Model gain momentum?
When assessed in light of the Bill of Rights.
Are the Criminal Control Model and the Due Process Model in conflict?
No, they are different and must be balanced.
What did Davis J observe regarding the burden of crime control?
It is wrong to conclude that preserving the Constitution is a nod to criminals.
What is a potential consequence of stricter crime control rules?
Sending more innocents to prison.
What must any system recognize about innocence and accusation?
Even innocents can be accused and have rules applied to them.
What would absolute State power improve, and what would it create?
It would improve crime control but create tyranny.
What must Criminal Procedure rules do regarding State Power?
Regulate State Power both positively and negatively.
What conflict exists in the rights of the accused and the victim?
The victim has the right to seek justice, while the accused has the right to a fair trial.
What does Section 35(5) of the constitution prevent?
It prevents the State from obtaining evidence unconstitutionally in pursuit of a conviction.
Fill in the blank: The function of the criminal justice system is not exclusively to curb crime but also to ensure that _______.
suspects are not treated unfairly.
What does Packer state about power in the criminal process?
Power is always subject to abuse, sometimes subtle and other times open and ugly.
What has the Constitution done regarding the State?
Brought the State under the rule of law to prevent future abuse.
What is the purpose of the Service Charter for Victims of Crime in South Africa?
It sets out victim rights as contained in the Constitution and legislation.
Adopted by parliament in terms of section 234 of the Constitution.
What is a concern regarding the criminal justice system’s orientation?
It is offender-orientated to the detriment of the rights and interests of victims and other witnesses.
What statutory provisions exist to promote victim participation in the criminal process?
There are various provisions designed to enhance victim participation.
In Wickham v Magistrate, Stellenbosch, what did the Constitutional Court find regarding victim rights?
The rights of the victim were properly accommodated through extensive participation afforded by the prosecutor.
Ruling referenced section 105A.
Does the Service Charter for Victims of Crime in South Africa provide a victim with an absolute right to be heard?
No, it does not provide an absolute right to be heard on demand.
What must investigating officers collect from victims in sexual offences?
An impact statement detailing how the offence has affected their life.
What was the finding in Mhlongo regarding the absence of a victim impact statement?
It was found unacceptable as it deprived the rape victim of the opportunity to express how the crime affected her.
What does Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act provide?
It gives complainants or relatives of the deceased the right to make representations regarding a convicted person’s placement on parole.
Read with section 75(4) of the Correctional Services Act.