Question 1

An example of a crime against public order that has received considerable attention in recent years is that of ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)   Seduction
B)   Obscenity
C)   Harassment
D)   Lewdness C

Question 2

Bigamy is considered a crime against the _______.

Accepted Answer

A)   State
B)   Individual
C)   Family
D)   Spouse C

Question 3

Why are statutes regulating behavior in public places continuously challenged in the courts? What does it mean if a statute is vague or overbroad? What are the constitutional implications of these doctrines?

Accepted Answer

Statutes regulating behavior in public places are continuously challenged in the courts because they often involve a delicate balance between protecting public safety and individual rights. These statutes can restrict activities such as protesting, panhandling, or loitering, which are forms of expression and assembly protected by the First Amendment. As a result, individuals and advocacy groups may challenge these statutes in court to ensure that they are not overly broad or vague, and that they do not infringe upon constitutional rights.

If a statute is vague, it means that its language is unclear and does not provide individuals with fair notice of what conduct is prohibited. This can lead to arbitrary enforcement and violations of due process rights. On the other hand, if a statute is overbroad, it means that it restricts a significant amount of protected speech or conduct in addition to the intended target. This can result in a chilling effect on free expression and assembly.

The constitutional implications of these doctrines are significant. The First Amendment protects the rights of individuals to express themselves and assemble in public places. Therefore, statutes that are vague or overbroad may be found to violate the First Amendment. Courts may strike down or narrow these statutes to ensure that they are narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest, such as public safety, and that they do not unnecessarily restrict protected speech and conduct. As a result, the continuous challenges to these statutes in the courts are essential for upholding constitutional rights and maintaining a balance between public safety and individual liberties.

Question 4

Explain why the PROTECT Act passed constitutional scrutiny in the case of United States v. Williams in 2008.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why the PROTECT Act passed constitutional...

Question 5

What is human trafficking and what are some of the problems associated ith trying to regulate this type of crime?

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

In all states it is illegal to operate motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, although states vary with regard to how they define the offenses as well as what those offenses are called. Of the following terms, all are used except one:

Accepted Answer

A)   driving while under the influence
B)   operating under the influence of liquor
C)   driving while intoxicated
D)   operating a motor vehicle while exercising sobriety

Question 7

What crime is defined by Pennsylvania as "a person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if he does any lewd act which he knows is likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed"?

Accepted Answer

A)   Obscenity
B)   Open lewdness
C)   Seduction
D)   Harassment

Question 8

In the 1973 case of Miller v. California, the Court articulated three conditions that must be met for information to be considered obscene. Explain those three conditions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the 1973 case of Miller v....

Question 9

Explain the constitutional limits imposed on the fighting words doctrine.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Why do you believe adultery crimes are rarely prosecuted?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why do you believe adultery crimes are...

Question 11

In 2003, the _________ Act was passed by Congress which is a lengthy statute that contains provisions aimed at protecting children from sexual assaults, pornography, kidnapping, and other crimes.

Accepted Answer

A)   Child Protection Action
B)   Sexual Crimes Protection Act
C)   PROTECT Act
D)   CHILD Act

Question 12

Discuss the term "reading the riot act" as applied to the English Riot Act of 1714.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the term "reading the riot act"...

Question 13

Should vagrancy be considered a crime? Why have many vagrancy statutes been declared unconstitutional?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Should vagrancy be considered a crime? Why...

Question 14

Define and explain the crime of harassment.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define and explain the crime of harassment....

Question 15

The Texas statute that defines the crime of homosexual conduct as engaging "in deviate sexual intercourse with another individual of the same sex" was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in the 2003 case of:

Accepted Answer

A)   Johnson v. Texas
B)   Ruiz v. Texas
C)   Lawrence v. Texas
D)   Robinson v. Texas

Question 16

Explain the Court's rationale in Cohen v. California in reversing Cohen's conviction as it relates to offensive or fighting words.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

In which case did the Supreme Court uphold the Georgia statute prohibiting sodomy, defined as "any sexual act involving the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another?"

Accepted Answer

A)   Johnson v. Texas
B)   Bowers v. Hardwick
C)   State v. Powell
D)   Lawrence v. Texas

Question 18

Discuss why animal abuse has attracted more attention now than before.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss why animal abuse has attracted more...

Question 19

The crime of ____________________________ refers to procuring or securing a person, usually a female, to satisfy the lust of another, usually a male, or catering to the lust of another.

Accepted Answer

A)   adultery
B)   fornication
C)   prostitution
D)   pandering

Question 20

Which of the following most recent category of porn consists of pornographic images that are published without the permission of the subjects?

Accepted Answer

A)   Lewd
B)   Sexting
C)   Child
D)   Revenge

Exam 8: Crimes Against Public Order and Public Decency