NTN Police Legal Knowledge and Criminal Law Flashcards

Which exception allows police to search a vehicle without a warrant when it is already in lawful police custody?

Answer: The inventory search exception

The inventory search exception permits a warrantless, standardized search of an impounded vehicle to document its contents and protect police from liability.

Under 'use of force' law, the reasonableness of an officer's force is judged from whose perspective?

Answer: A reasonable officer on the scene at the time of the incident

Graham v. Connor established that force is evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, not with 20/20 hindsight.

What is 'double jeopardy' and what does it prohibit?

Answer: Being tried twice for the same offense after acquittal or conviction

The Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment prohibits the government from prosecuting a person a second time for the same offense after acquittal or conviction.

A person who helps another commit a crime by acting as a lookout is legally considered:

Answer: An accessory before the fact or accomplice

A lookout who assists in a crime is an accomplice or accessory before the fact and can be held criminally liable.

Which type of homicide involves the unlawful killing of another without malice aforethought, typically in the heat of passion?

Answer: Voluntary manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing that occurs in the heat of passion following adequate provocation, lacking the premeditation of murder.

What legal doctrine holds that evidence derived from an unlawful search or seizure is inadmissible in court?

Answer: The fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine

The fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine excludes not only illegally obtained evidence but also any evidence subsequently derived from that illegal act.

Which constitutional amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures by government actors?

Answer: Fourth Amendment

The Fourth Amendment protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures and generally requires warrants supported by probable cause.