exam 1 Flashcards
What type of system is cis?
is a complex system
What is critical thinking in the criminal justice system?
no right of wrong to issues
What is critical thinking and give an example
distinguishing between fact and opinion, considering multiple views
example: Using your time wisely. Deciding how you use your time is another example of critical thinking.
What is law and give an example
a set of formal rules to establish and maintain order and regulate behaviour
example: the speed limit is 60 km/h
What is justice and give an example
a concept based on fairness, morality and the equality of all the rights
example: if someone steals a bicycle. the person goes on trail and looks at evidence to make sure actions are equally chosen based on the law
What is crime?
prohibited by the criminal law
Crime occur when a person does 3 of the following
1.commits an act/ fails to commit an act
2. has the intent to commit the act
3. does not have the legal defence
What are the 3 origins of the criminal law
legal status of behaviour is not determined by the behaviour itself but is the result of the social response to the behaviour
aids in understanding what is and is not crime
crime in one society may be an act of honour in another
What is the value consensus model and give an example
views crime and punishments based on shared values and beliefs that most people in society agree on, aiming to maintain order and cooperation.
Example: Laws against murder reflect a common belief that killing is wrong and harmful to society.
What is conflict model and give an example
views crime and punishment based on the interests of powerful groups and are used to control weaker, marginalized groups which highlights inequalites
Example: Harsh drug laws that disproportionately target poor and racialized communities, while benefiting the wealthy and powerful.
substantive law and its functions to society
sets out the rights and the obligations of each person in society. this includes the criminal code
functions: establishing standards and protesting rights; safe guard individual rights
What is procedural law and give an example
legal process that protect and enforce age rights set out in substantive law
example: aresting a person in a criminal trail
What is common law
law that is based on custom, traction and practice and is generally unwritten
Canadian courts are organized by what system
hierarchy
What is stare decisis
principle by which the higher courts set precedent that lower court can follow
What is satute law
written law by a legistative body
What is case law
law that is established by previous court decisions and is based upon the rule of preccdent
What is criminal law
law that deals with conducts considered harmful enough to society that is prohibited by statues and prosecuted and punished by the government
What are the 4 functions of criminal law
acts as a mechanism of social control
maintain order
define parameters of acceptable behaviour
prosecute criminated behaviour
What does determines, general and specific mean
determines: what factors/ actions deside crime
general: laws that apply broadly
specific: laws target specific crime
State the 5 principles of criminal law
- criminal responsibility requires both wrongful act and a guilty intent with exceptions for young children and those with severe mental disorders
- laws cannot be applied retroactivaly and citizen are expected to know the law, though its complexity makes it unrealistic
- suspects have the right to remain silent and coerced confessions are inadmissible in court
- the principle of double jeopardy prevents a person from being tried twice for the same offence
- in canada, acquittals can be appealed if the crown identifies legal errors in the trail
What is the rule of the law
the requirement that the government and individuals be subjected to abide by the law
where has the rule of law traced back to?
magna corta in England
what are the 10 key principles of the rule of law
- the law is known and accessible
- presumption of innocence
- open, independent and impartial judierary
- No retrospective laws should be made
- Laws are made in an open and transparent way by the people
- government agencies to behave as model litigants
- fair and prompt trails
- separation of the powers between legislature, executive and judierary
- people can be only punished in accordance with the law
- the law and its administration are subject to open and free criticism