Exam 1: The Basics of Criminal Law

A jury that cannot reach a verdict and becomes hopelessly deadlocked is known as a hung jury.

A _________ opinion agrees with the majority decision but for different reasons.

Regarding appellate courts, which statement is true?

What evidence seeks to demonstrate a certain point, such as drawings, diagrams, illustrations, and computer simulations that are used to help jurors understand how a crime was likely committed?

_______________ is the assumption that when would-be offenders see a criminal held accountable, they opt to abide by the law for fear of suffering the same fate.

One of the goals of the criminal law is community protection, which stems from what type of perspective?

_____________ is a private wrong or injury, for which a court will provide a remedy in the form of an "action," or a lawsuit, between the two parties.

At the state level, what reference is used when referring to trial courts?

__________________ is a planned intervention that is intended to change offenders for the better.

Describe how cases move about in the state and federal court systems. How do cases arrive at the U.S. Supreme Court?

When studying court opinions, a majority opinion that is odds with the minority opinion is known as dissent.

A local fire department is dispatched to a single-wide trailer fire in the outskirts of the county. After extinguishing the flames, the firefighters discover the remains of a female lying in the burnt remnants of the bed in the master bedroom. The body had suffered such intense heat the chest cavity had burst open. The body remains were transported to the local coroner who performs an autopsy to confirm the reason for death and discovers a spent bullet lodged in the ribcage of the body. The coroner notifies the county sheriff's office of the discovery and suggests that the scene of the fire should be treated as a crime scene. The coroner transports the spent bullet to the sheriff's office along with a forensic report containing information that confirms the bullet was discovered in the body of the female victim. Subsequent investigation provides evidence that the victim's husband had hired another man to kill the victim in a manner that would make the crime appear to be an accident. Both suspects are tried and convicted of First Degree murder. The husband's attorney files for an appeal based on illegal search and seizure, alleging that the bullet discovered in the body was seized without a warrant and subsequent to the initial investigation. What decision should the appellate court develop? Does any existing case law substantiate your decision?

What does that mean when an appellate court agrees with a lower court's decision?

When an appellate court finds that the decision of a lower court is incorrect, the appellate court overrules the lower court's decision.

_____________________ is the act of removing an individual from society so that person can no longer offend.

The _____________________ is the official who charges the defendant and is tasked with representing the government in court.

Which Amendment states: "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation?"

_________________________are courts that have jurisdiction over relatively minor offenses and infractions. A traffic court fits in this category.

The prosecutor is the official who charges the defendant and is tasked with representing the government in court.

What happens when an appellate court reverses a lower court's decision?