Exam 1: The Foundations of Criminal Justice

All criminal justice system agencies and employees must consider the Charter rights of individuals when performing their jobs.

Which of the following pieces of legislation originally set out the rule of law?

Courts do not have the ability to alter the definitions of Charter rights.

Which statement describes interest groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), the CPPA (Canadian Professional Police Association), and the National Firearms Association?

A unique feature of the common law is that it exists in past decisions of judges rather than being embodied in legal codes or legislation.

In the Manny Castillo case, the judge ruled that the laws of Canada should be followed on and off the playing field. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Give reasons to support your position.

In Canada, civil cases require a much higher standard of proof than criminal cases.

In Canada laws cannot be applied retroactively.

Martina is going to court to determine whether she or her husband will receive primary custody of their children. Which type of law is this?

A judge in the Supreme Court of Canada recently made an important decision regarding maximum sentences for drug-trafficking offences. Judges of the lower courts must now take this decision into account when sentencing all future drug-trafficking cases. Which of the following best describes this decision?

Chelsea has been charged with possession of marijuana. Which of the following best defines this type of offence?

Which theory on the origins of the criminal law argues that certain groups in Canadian society (primarily the rich and powerful) have a greater ability to influence law reform than other groups?

Describe the various functions of the criminal law in Canadian society.

Criminal law is one of several types of public law.

Which of the following is the primary law of the land, guaranteeing fundamental freedoms, legal rights, and equality for all citizens of Canada?

Compare and contrast criminal and civil law. Focus particularly on the different standards of proof required. Using the textbook example of the O.J. Simpson case, explain why this different standard can result in a not-guilty verdict in criminal court and a guilty verdict in civil court. Do you think this is problematic? Why or why not?

Aaron has been charged with committing incest against his daughter. What type of offence is this best defined as?

Define the term "moral entrepreneur." What role do these individuals play in the criminalization of activities? What types of crime have they historically focused on?

Which of the following is the general category of laws relating to contracts, inheritances, divorce, and custody of children?

Criminologists conduct historical analyses of crime and laws for four major reasons. Identify each of these reasons. Provide some examples of political, social, or economic factors that may have influenced law reform.