Exam 14: Going Forward: Challenges to and Opportunities for Criminal Justice Reform

Which of the following is NOT true of the operation of the criminal justice system in a diverse society?

Hank is a politician who justifies his stance on legislation and criminal justice policy by pointing to public pressure. What is this behaviour is an example of?

Levels of crime fluctuate based on the efforts of the criminal justice system.

Mary is a policymaker who is very concerned about public opinion. For this reason, she tends to support the status quo because the public believes it works. Which of the following best describes Mary's attitude?

What are some of the key components of "smart on crime" criminal justice policies?

Define the term "over-criminalization." Which initiatives have emerged out of an attempt to reduce this problem?

According to Griffiths, which criminal justice interventions have been shown to produce positive outcomes? What is a key component of most successful initiatives?

Though the criminal justice system has made some strides in recognizing and addressing the rights and needs of crime victims, much work remains to be done. In attempts to increase victim's rights, the federal government has proposed legislation that would allow victims to participate in the plea bargaining process. What are some benefits of this proposal? What are some drawbacks? Do you agree with the proposed legislation? Why or why not?

The development of evidence-based practice in Canada has been hindered by a lack of research. What are some of the major reasons for an absence of Canadian research in this area?

Sebastian works in the criminal justice system. He enjoys performing his job the way he always has, and becomes very frustrated when his supervisor informs him that they are implementing a new evidence-based policy that will change the way he works. Which of the following best describes Sebastian's attitude?

Why is expecting the criminal justice system alone to address the issue of marginalization unrealistic? What might be a better solution?

The Canadian criminal justice system has been slow to discard ineffective programs and policies.

Much recent Canadian criminal justice research focuses on the topic of ethics.

Criminal justice agencies and professionals cannot prevent and reduce crime alone.

Research evidence shows that the Canadian criminal justice system often struggles to meet the objectives of section 15(1) of the Charter. What are some examples of this? What can be done to address this issue?

Lara feels that she has been subject to police-based discrimination based on her cultural background. If her belief is true, which of the Charter sections has been violated?

The Canadian criminal justice system has recently begun to adopt evidence-based strategies to inform criminal justice practice.

Bill C-10 was developed without consideration of the experience of other jurisdictions (e.g., the United States). If the federal government had considered the U.S. experience, how might this Bill have differed?

Bill C-10 has been guided by the criminal justice experiences of the United States.

There is clear evidence that adding more resources will improve the outcomes of crime victims, offenders, and communities.