Free Criminal Justice Question and Answers

Question 1

Older theories of punishment include

Accepted Answer

Retribution

Answer

Retribution is one of the oldest theories of punishment, rooted in the idea of 'an eye for an eye.' It focuses on punishing offenders for past wrongs, ensuring they receive a punishment proportional to the harm they caused, rather than aiming for future prevention or rehabilitation. This theory emphasizes justice through deserved suffering.

Question 2

For the majority of the 20th century, the idea of _________ dominated much thinking regarding punishment.

Accepted Answer

Rehabilitation

Answer

For much of the 20th century, particularly from the 1930s to the 1970s, the concept of rehabilitation dominated criminal justice thinking. This approach focused on treating offenders to address the underlying causes of their criminal behavior and reintegrate them into society as productive citizens, aiming to reform rather than just punish.

Question 3

A punishment based on the principle of "an eye for an eye"

Accepted Answer

Retribution

Answer

The principle of 'an eye for an eye' is the quintessential expression of retribution. This theory of punishment asserts that the severity of the punishment should match the severity of the crime, focusing on vengeance and ensuring offenders 'pay their debt' to society for the harm they inflicted.

Question 4

A fixed sentence, often known as a ____, is an imprisoning term of a certain length of time.

Accepted Answer

Determinate

Answer

A determinate sentence is a fixed term of incarceration, meaning the exact length of the prison sentence is set at the time of sentencing. This contrasts with indeterminate sentences, where the release date is often decided by a parole board within a range set by the court, offering less certainty about the duration of imprisonment.

Question 5

What is referred to as ___ incapacitation concentrates on criminals with a high probability of serious recidivism.

Accepted Answer

Selective

Answer

Selective incapacitation focuses on identifying and incarcerating a small group of offenders who are deemed to have a high probability of serious recidivism. The goal is to prevent future crimes by removing these specific high-risk individuals from society for extended periods, thereby reducing overall crime rates by targeting repeat offenders.

Criminal Justice Practice Test

Criminal Justice Practice Test

Free Criminal Justice Question and Answers