Deck 6: Victims of Crime

Question 1

The victims' rights movement of the _______ tried to put an end to blaming individuals for being victimized and to give victims more of a role in criminal case processing.

A) 1870s-1880s
B) 1920s-1930s
C) 1970s-1980s
D) 2000-2010s

Answer 1

C

Question 2

The victims' rights movement received a boost when which president's Commission on Crime suggested that victims should have systematic means to address the harmful effects of criminal victimization and should be more involved in the criminal justice system?

A) George W. Bush
B) Ronald Reagan
C) Lyndon B. Johnson
D) Theodore Roosevelt

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Victims' rights vary among the states, although they, and the rights provided to them by the federal government, generally address two primary areas: the involvement of crime victims in criminal case proceedings and

A) enhanced financial punishments for offenders.
B) personal protection for victims.
C) compensation for victims.
D) mandatory penalties for offenders.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Critics of rape shield laws contend that they violate a defendant's _______ Amendment right to confront their accuser.

A) Fourth
B) Sixth
C) Eighth
D) Tenth

Question 5

Which of the following would be most likely to use victim services?

A) Victims who are employed
B) Younger victims of crime
C) Victims of violent crime
D) Victims of property crime

Question 6

Which of the following is most likely to be the victim of violent crime?

A) A 22-year-old
B) A 48-year-old
C) A wealthy person
D) A married person

Question 7

Research found that the most commonly cited reason for not reporting a crime to the police was which of the following?

A) The victim believed the police couldn't help.
B) The victim dealt with the matter in another way.
C) The victim had a fear of retaliation.
D) The victim was engaged in illegal activity at the time of the offense.

Question 8

By 2003, only about half of all states in the United States had passed some form of victims' rights legislation.

Question 9

Some states limit victim rights to victims of violent felonies or other select types of crime; only about 40% of states provide rights to all classes of victims.

Question 10

Victim impact statements are permitted in federal sentencing and in virtually all states.

Question 11

Victim impact statements have been criticized for creating heated emotions that may increase the severity of the offender's punishment.

Question 12

Most victims take advantage of the compensation and restitution programs designed to provide victim assistance.

Question 13

The rate of property crime in the United States is about twice what it was in 1993.

Question 14

Most victimizations are not reported to the police.

Question 15

Identify and discuss the improvements that have been made since the 1970s with regard to treating victims of crime. What else could we do to assist them?

Question 16

Identify the pros and cons of having rape shield laws. Should we have these laws? Why or why not?