Question 1

Analyze the role of double discrimination in the criminal justice system, and provide two real or hypothetical examples.

Accepted Answer

Double discrimination in the criminal justice system refers to the intersection of two forms of discrimination, such as race and gender, that can result in individuals facing compounded bias and unfair treatment within the legal system. This can lead to harsher sentencing, increased likelihood of being stopped by law enforcement, and overall unequal treatment.

One real example of double discrimination in the criminal justice system is the case of Marissa Alexander, a black woman in Florida who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot to defend herself against her abusive husband. Despite invoking the Stand Your Ground law, which allows individuals to use force in self-defense, Alexander was convicted and received a harsh sentence, which many believe was influenced by both her race and gender.

Another hypothetical example of double discrimination in the criminal justice system could involve a transgender person of color who is arrested for a non-violent offense. This individual may face discrimination based on both their gender identity and race, leading to increased likelihood of being targeted by law enforcement and receiving harsher treatment within the legal system.

Overall, double discrimination in the criminal justice system highlights the need for reforms to address systemic biases and ensure fair and equal treatment for all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, or any other characteristic.

Question 2

Apply your knowledge of the Watergate and S&L scandals to describe how they impacted the public perception of crime.

Accepted Answer

The Watergate scandal, which involved the illegal activities of the Nixon administration, and the Savings and Loan (S&L) scandal, which involved widespread fraud and corruption in the financial industry, had a significant impact on the public perception of crime.

The Watergate scandal, in particular, eroded public trust in the government and political institutions. It revealed the extent of corruption and abuse of power at the highest levels of government, leading to a widespread disillusionment with politicians and the political process. This scandal demonstrated that even those in positions of authority and responsibility were not immune to engaging in criminal behavior, leading to a heightened skepticism and suspicion of those in power.

Similarly, the S&L scandal exposed the greed and unethical behavior within the financial industry. The widespread fraud and mismanagement of funds by S&L executives and government regulators shattered the public's confidence in the banking and financial system. This scandal highlighted the potential for white-collar crime and financial misconduct, further contributing to a negative perception of the integrity of financial institutions.

Overall, both scandals had a profound impact on the public perception of crime. They demonstrated that criminal behavior could occur at the highest levels of government and within the financial industry, leading to a general sense of distrust and skepticism towards those in positions of authority. These scandals also highlighted the need for increased transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in both the public and private sectors to rebuild public trust and confidence.

Question 3

College students are an example of a population that is frequently targeted by police.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 4

Why did federal law enforcement dismiss many potential criminal cases arising out of the savings and loan scandals?

Accepted Answer

A)  because the CEOs involved were mostly black 
B)  because financial fraud is not technically a crime 
C)  because they lacked the personnel to pursue the cases 
D)  because of generally decreased crime surveillance

Question 5

What would most likely happen to a white-collar criminal who is accused of embezzlement?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What would most likely happen to a...

Question 6

Propose a set of reforms to the current criminal justice system to address issues of discrimination and injustice. What specific changes to the current system would have to be made?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Propose a set of reforms to the...

Question 7

Why have some judges spoken out against the system of sentencing and mandatory minimum sentences?

Accepted Answer

A)  They were upset about the rampant ageism in recent court cases. 
B)  They wanted to protect white-collar criminals. 
C)  They were against the racism inherent in the criminal justice system. 
D)  They wanted to improve the perception of the judicial system among inmates.

Question 8

Why is being released on bail important?

Accepted Answer

A)  Those who are not released on bail are treated as though they are guilty. 
B)  Black defendants are more likely to be released on bail than white defendants. 
C)  It can only be done before an individual is arrested. 
D)  Only individuals who have been imprisoned for twenty days can be released on bail.

Question 9

There is considerable evidence that double discrimination affects death penalty sentencing.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

In the United States, prisons are filled predominantly with poor people.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

White-collar criminals are rarely arrested or charged.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

What is an example of the double discrimination seen in the United States?

Accepted Answer

A)  A white man who embezzles from a white man and released on bail, while a white man who embezzles from a black man is sentenced to three years in prison. 
B)  A black man kills a white man and is given the death penalty, while a black man who kills another black man is imprisoned. 
C)  A black cop who arrests a black man is more likely to be financially rewarded than a white cop who arrests another white man. 
D)  A white man who kills another white man is more likely to be released on bail than a black man who kills another black man.

Question 13

A lower-class man who steals a bike would be more likely to be charged than a wealthy man who embezzles.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

According to the President's Crime Commission survey, __________.

Accepted Answer

A)  middle-class teens are frequently targeted by police 
B)  most Americans have violated laws 
C)  CEOs are frequently arrested for theft 
D)  crime is rare in low-income communities

Question 15

Many black people are arrested for the crime of ___________.

Accepted Answer

A)  "driving while black" 
B)  "cell phone abuses" 
C)  "black embezzlement" 
D)  "crimes of convenience"

Question 16

Apply your knowledge of the criminal justice system to choose which of the following people would most likely receive the harshest sentence for the same crime of dealing drugs.

Accepted Answer

A)  a middle-class white college student 
B)  a wealthy black man 
C)  a middle-class black woman 
D)  a lower-class white man

Question 17

There are more black men than white men in prison because black men commit more crimes.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

Why do most Americans think dangerous crimes are committed mainly by poor people?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why do most Americans think dangerous crimes...

Question 19

Most business executives who commit financial fraud are convicted for their crimes.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

Evaluate the relationship between class, race, and criminal justice in the United States. Use specific examples to support your arguments.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Evaluate the relationship between class, race, and...

Exam 3: And the Poor Get Prison

Analyze the role of double discrimination in the criminal justice system, and provide two real or hypothetical examples.

Apply your knowledge of the Watergate and S&L scandals to describe how they impacted the public perception of crime.

College students are an example of a population that is frequently targeted by police.

Why did federal law enforcement dismiss many potential criminal cases arising out of the savings and loan scandals?

What would most likely happen to a white-collar criminal who is accused of embezzlement?

Propose a set of reforms to the current criminal justice system to address issues of discrimination and injustice. What specific changes to the current system would have to be made?

Why have some judges spoken out against the system of sentencing and mandatory minimum sentences?

Why is being released on bail important?

There is considerable evidence that double discrimination affects death penalty sentencing.

In the United States, prisons are filled predominantly with poor people.

White-collar criminals are rarely arrested or charged.

What is an example of the double discrimination seen in the United States?

A lower-class man who steals a bike would be more likely to be charged than a wealthy man who embezzles.

According to the President's Crime Commission survey, __________.

Many black people are arrested for the crime of ___________.

Apply your knowledge of the criminal justice system to choose which of the following people would most likely receive the harshest sentence for the same crime of dealing drugs.

There are more black men than white men in prison because black men commit more crimes.

Why do most Americans think dangerous crimes are committed mainly by poor people?

Most business executives who commit financial fraud are convicted for their crimes.

Evaluate the relationship between class, race, and criminal justice in the United States. Use specific examples to support your arguments.