Question 1

In the state of Texas, which race/ethnicity is most likely to be on death row today?

Accepted Answer

A)  Caucasian 
B)  African American 
C)  Hispanic 
D)  Asian American 
E)  Race/ethnicity does not raise one's likelihood of being given the death penalty.

Question 2

Explain and discuss Texas's correctional system. What is the history of the system? What presents hurdles to an effective system? Can Texas prisons ever be considered the best in the nation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain and discuss Texas's correctional system. What...

Question 3

A minor criminal offense, usually punishable by a small fine or a short jail sentence, is a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)  felony. 
B)  indictment. 
C)  petty crime. 
D)  misdemeanor. 
E)  capital crime.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a reason that an individual can be given the death penalty in Texas?

Accepted Answer

A)  murder for hire 
B)  murder during the commission of an aggravated rape 
C)  murder of a child under the age of 12 
D)  murder of a public safety officer, fireman, or correctional employee 
E)  murder by a prison inmate serving a life sentence

Question 5

Texas leads the nation in the number of state-sanctioned executions.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Which of the following does the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles NOT handle?

Accepted Answer

A)  revocation of parole 
B)  conditions of parole 
C)  decisions on which prisoners are due to be released on parole 
D)  recommendations on clemency to the governor 
E)  The board handles all of the above.

Question 7

What is the controversy tied to criminal cases, in particular capital cases, in the state of Texas? Why is there such a controversy? What protections are put in place in order to help protect the defendants in these cases?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the controversy tied to criminal...

Question 8

When a person is arrested for a felony or misdemeanor and jailed rather than ticketed, he or she will be arraigned before a judge. What happens next?

Accepted Answer

A)  At the arraignment the charges will be explained, he or she will be reminded of the due process rights, and bail will be set. 
B)  At the arraignment the charges will be explained, bail set, and he or she will be reminded of the due process rights. 
C)  At the arraignment, a date will be determined for the judge to review the charges against the defendant and bail will be set. 
D)  A date will be determined for the judge to review the charges against the defendant, he or she will be reminded of the due process rights, and bail will be set. 
E)  Bail will be set, the defendant will be reminded of the due process rights, and the charges will be explained.

Question 9

The integrity of the Texas judicial system has been called into question many times. Explain what events have caused these questions. Discuss the outcome of the situations and what the state of Texas is doing to combat future accusations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The integrity of the Texas judicial system...

Question 10

In a situation in which the defendant may have committed his or her first offense, the judge is more likely to issue a punishment of ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  probation 
B)  community service 
C)  temporary jail time 
D)  a reduction in sentence 
E)  absolution of crime

Question 11

A grand jury consists of how many individuals to possibly hear a case?

Accepted Answer

A)  10-15 
B)  12 
C)  15-20 
D)  20-30 
E)  at least 25

Question 12

What is one of the biggest issues in regard to perpetuating criminal activities in Texas?

Accepted Answer

A)  The requirements placed on offenders are not difficult enough and can result in a lack of respect for the system. 
B)  The requirements placed on offenders allow for excessive interaction with fellow criminals, continuing the cycle of negative contacts. 
C)  The requirements placed on offenders are so difficult to comply with that offenders will likely disregard the requirements and hope to not get caught. 
D)  The structure of the criminal system allows for too many appeals and therefore encourages offenders to violate requirements. 
E)  Criminals are more likely to associate with other criminals, therefore perpetuating the cycle.

Question 13

Which of the following groups of crimes are considered second-degree felonies?

Accepted Answer

A)  aggravated sexual assault, robbery, bribery, and stalking 
B)  robbery, stalking, aggravated assault on a public servant, and violation of a protective order 
C)  manslaughter, bigamy, capital murder, and forgery of a check 
D)  bigamy, sexual assault, arson, and manslaughter 
E)  speeding and reckless driving

Question 14

For probation, certain requirements must be met EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  reporting to a probation office on a regular basis. 
B)  holding a steady job. 
C)  paying fines or restitution. 
D)  abstaining from alcohol or drug use. 
E)  being released from probation for good behavior after serving a quarter of the term.

Question 15

Individuals that can not afford an attorney have a constitutional right to have one appointed to them. Which Supreme Court case was instumental in guaranteeing this right?

Accepted Answer

A)  Ruiz v. Estelle 
B)  Gideon v. Wainwright 
C)  Powell v. Alabama 
D)  Betts v. Brady 
E)  Miranda v. Arizona

Question 16

The governor of Texas is unable to grant clemency to death-row inmates without the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

More than 100 death-row inmates in Texas have been represented by

Accepted Answer

A)  court-appointed attorneys with successful records. 
B)  personal attorneys with poor records. 
C)  court-appointed attorneys with troubled histories whose performances became an issue on appeal. 
D)  private attorneys with troubled histories whose performances and payments became an issue on appeal. 
E)  court-appointed attorneys with private financial backing, which created an issue during the appeal.

Question 18

In Texas, the legal standard of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is used in which type(s) of cases?

Accepted Answer

A)  felony 
B)  misdemeanor 
C)  civil 
D)  both felony and misdemeanor cases 
E)  "Beyond a reasonable doubt" is a standard used in federal, not state, court.

Question 19

A second-degree felony can be punishable by 2-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

Jurors determine a guilty verdict in criminal cases

Accepted Answer

A)  with a unanimous vote. 
B)  by a majority vote. 
C)  by a hung jury, declaring a mistrial. 
D)  by the judge determining their decision. 
E)  with a "50 percent plus one" vote.

Exam 13: Crime and Corrections Policy in Texas

In the state of Texas, which race/ethnicity is most likely to be on death row today?

Explain and discuss Texas's correctional system. What is the history of the system? What presents hurdles to an effective system? Can Texas prisons ever be considered the best in the nation?

A minor criminal offense, usually punishable by a small fine or a short jail sentence, is a(n)

Which of the following is NOT a reason that an individual can be given the death penalty in Texas?

Texas leads the nation in the number of state-sanctioned executions.

Which of the following does the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles NOT handle?

What is the controversy tied to criminal cases, in particular capital cases, in the state of Texas? Why is there such a controversy? What protections are put in place in order to help protect the defendants in these cases?

When a person is arrested for a felony or misdemeanor and jailed rather than ticketed, he or she will be arraigned before a judge. What happens next?

The integrity of the Texas judicial system has been called into question many times. Explain what events have caused these questions. Discuss the outcome of the situations and what the state of Texas is doing to combat future accusations.

In a situation in which the defendant may have committed his or her first offense, the judge is more likely to issue a punishment of ________.

A grand jury consists of how many individuals to possibly hear a case?

What is one of the biggest issues in regard to perpetuating criminal activities in Texas?

Which of the following groups of crimes are considered second-degree felonies?

For probation, certain requirements must be met EXCEPT

Individuals that can not afford an attorney have a constitutional right to have one appointed to them. Which Supreme Court case was instumental in guaranteeing this right?

The governor of Texas is unable to grant clemency to death-row inmates without the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

More than 100 death-row inmates in Texas have been represented by

In Texas, the legal standard of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is used in which type(s) of cases?

A second-degree felony can be punishable by 2-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Jurors determine a guilty verdict in criminal cases