Criminal Justice Ultimate 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A prosecutor and defense attorney agree the defendant will plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. What is this called?
- Plea bargaining (Correct answer)
- Nolo contendere
- Jury nullification
- Double jeopardy
Correct answer: Plea bargaining
Plea bargaining resolves the vast majority of criminal cases through negotiated guilty pleas.
Question 2: Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against cruel and unusual punishment?
- Eighth Amendment (Correct answer)
- Fourth Amendment
- Fifth Amendment
- Sixth Amendment
Correct answer: Eighth Amendment
The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
Question 3: What is the main function of a grand jury in the federal criminal justice system?
- To decide whether there is enough evidence to indict (Correct answer)
- To determine the final verdict
- To impose the sentence
- To hear appeals
Correct answer: To decide whether there is enough evidence to indict
A grand jury reviews the prosecution's evidence and decides whether to issue an indictment.
Question 4: An offender released from prison before completing their full sentence, subject to supervision and conditions, is on what status?
- Parole (Correct answer)
- Probation
- Diversion
- House arrest
Correct answer: Parole
Parole is conditional early release from prison under community supervision.
Question 5: Which criminological theory argues that crime results from learned behavior through interaction with others?
- Differential association theory (Correct answer)
- Routine activities theory
- Biological determinism
- Deterrence theory
Correct answer: Differential association theory
Edwin Sutherland's differential association theory holds that criminal behavior is learned through social interaction.
Question 6: During a custodial interrogation, police must inform suspects of their rights to silence and counsel. Which case requires this?
- Miranda v. Arizona (Correct answer)
- Escobedo v. Illinois
- Brown v. Mississippi
- Powell v. Alabama
Correct answer: Miranda v. Arizona
Miranda v. Arizona (1966) requires warnings before custodial interrogation to protect Fifth Amendment rights.
Question 7: What term describes the discretionary power of police to decide whether to arrest, warn, or ignore a minor violation?
- Police discretion (Correct answer)
- Entrapment
- Selective incorporation
- Judicial review
Correct answer: Police discretion
Police discretion is the authority officers have to choose among enforcement options in the field.
Criminal Justice Ultimate 3
A prosecutor and defense attorney agree the defendant will plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.
What is this called?