NALA Criminal Law and Procedure Questions and Answers

Question 1

In a criminal trial for armed robbery, the prosecution must convince the jury of the defendant's guilt.
What is the constitutionally required standard of proof that the prosecution must meet for a conviction?

Accepted Answer

Beyond a reasonable doubt

Answer

Preponderance of the evidence

Answer

Clear and convincing evidence

Answer

Probable cause

Question 2

A police officer illegally searches a suspect's car without a warrant or probable cause and finds a detailed map leading to a hidden stash of stolen goods. Using the map, the police locate and seize the goods. The prosecutor attempts to introduce the stolen goods as evidence at trial. Which legal doctrine would a defense attorney most likely use to argue for the suppression of this evidence?

Accepted Answer

Fruit of the Poisonous Tree

Answer

Good Faith Exception

Answer

Inevitable Discovery

Answer

Double Jeopardy

Question 3

For a prosecutor to prove that a defendant is guilty of most crimes, two essential elements must be established: the physical act of the crime and the requisite mental state. What are the corresponding Latin legal terms for these two elements?

Accepted Answer

Actus reus and mens rea

Answer

Res judicata and collateral estoppel

Answer

Habeas corpus and stare decisis

Answer

In personam and in rem

Question 4

The Fifth Amendment protection against compulsory self-incrimination during a custodial interrogation was famously established in which landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, leading to a set of warnings that police must issue to suspects before questioning?

Accepted Answer

Miranda v. Arizona

Answer

Gideon v. Wainwright

Answer

Mapp v. Ohio

Answer

Terry v. Ohio

Question 5

A police officer conducting a lawful traffic stop for speeding approaches the vehicle. Through the driver's open window, the officer sees a handgun with its serial number filed off resting on the passenger seat. Which Fourth Amendment exception allows the officer to seize the handgun without a warrant?

Accepted Answer

Plain View Doctrine

Answer

Search incident to a lawful arrest

Answer

Exigent circumstances

Answer

Consent search

Question 6

In the federal system and in many states, which of the following is a formal charging document issued by a grand jury upon finding that there is sufficient evidence to justify a trial for a felony offense?

Accepted Answer

An indictment

Answer

A criminal complaint

Answer

An arraignment

Answer

An information

In a criminal trial for armed robbery, the prosecution must convince the jury of the defendant's guilt.What is the constitutionally required standard of proof that the prosecution must meet for a conviction?

In a criminal trial for armed robbery, the prosecution must convince the jury of the defendant's guilt.
What is the constitutionally required standard of proof that the prosecution must meet for a conviction?