Criminal Law Fundamentals Flashcards
6 cards from real State Trooper practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Criminal Law Fundamentals flashcards as text
Under the exclusionary rule, what happens to evidence obtained through an illegal search?
Answer: It is generally inadmissible in court
The exclusionary rule prohibits the use of evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
A trooper stops a vehicle and smells marijuana. In a state where marijuana remains illegal, what is the trooper's authority?
Answer: The odor provides probable cause to search the vehicle without a warrant
Under the automobile exception and the plain smell doctrine, the odor of an illegal substance provides probable cause for a warrantless vehicle search.
Which of the following is required for a valid Miranda warning?
Answer: The suspect must be in custody and subject to interrogation
Miranda warnings are required when a suspect is both in custody and subject to interrogation by law enforcement.
What is the legal definition of 'chain of custody' in criminal proceedings?
Answer: The documented chronological history of evidence from collection to court presentation
Chain of custody tracks who handled evidence and when, ensuring its integrity from scene to courtroom.
A suspect invokes their right to an attorney during questioning. What must the trooper do?
Answer: Immediately cease all questioning until an attorney is present
Once a suspect invokes the right to counsel, all interrogation must stop until an attorney is present.
What constitutes 'constructive possession' of contraband?
Answer: Having knowledge of and control over the contraband even without physical possession
Constructive possession requires knowledge of the contraband's presence and the ability to exercise control over it.