Criminology Chapter 1 Flashcards
(20 cards)
Jurisdiction
A politically defined geographical area.
Misdemeanors
Less serious crimes generally punishable by a fine or by incarceration in jail for not more than 1 year.
Felonies
Serious offenses punishable by confinement in prison for more than 1 year or by death.
arrest
The seizing and detaining of a person by lawful authority
booking
The administrative recording of an arrest. Typically, the suspect’s name, the charge, and perhaps the suspect’s fingerprints or photograph are entered in the police blotter.
Defendant
A person against whom a legal action is brought, a warrant is issued, or an indictment is found.
Initial apperance
A pretrial stage in which a defendant is brought before a lower court to be given notice of the charge(s) and advised of her or his constitutional rights.
summary trial
An immediate trial without a jury
Probable cause
A standard of proof that requires evidence sufficient to make a reasonable person believe that, more likely than not, the proposed action is justified.
Bail
Usually a monetary guarantee deposited with the court to ensure that suspects or defendants will appear at a later stage in the criminal justice process
Preliminary hearing
In a felony case, a pretrial stage at which a judge determines whether there is probable cause.
Grand jury
A group of citizens who meet to investigate charges coming from preliminary hearings.
Information
A document that outlines the formal charge(s) against a suspect, the law(s) that have been violated, and the evidence to support the charge(s).
Arraignment
A pretrial stage of hear the information or indictment and to allow a plea.
Plea Bargaining
The practice whereby a specific sentence is imposed if the accused pleads guilty to an agreed-on charge or charges instead of going to trial.
Probation
A sentence in which the offender, rather than being incarcerated, is retained in the community under the supervision of a probation agency.
Parole
The conditional release of prisoners before they served their full sentences.
Bench trial
a trial by judge as opposed to a trial by jury
Crime Control Model
Politically, it reflects the traditional conservative values. In this model, the control of criminal behavior is the most important function of criminal justice.
Due Process Model
Politically, it embodies traditional liberal values. In this model, the principal goal of criminal justice is at least as much to protect the innocent as it is to convict the guilty.
