#1
What is the primary purpose of criminal law?
To maintain public order and safety by punishing offenders
ExplanationPunishing offenders to maintain public order and safety.
#2
What is the 'rule of law'?
The principle that laws apply equally to all individuals
ExplanationLaws applying equally to all individuals.
#3
What is a 'public defender'?
A lawyer provided to defendants who cannot afford one
ExplanationA lawyer provided to defendants who cannot afford one.
#4
What role does the 'prosecution' play in a criminal trial?
Represents the state and argues against the accused
ExplanationState representation arguing against the accused.
#5
What is 'forensic science' used for in the criminal justice system?
To analyze physical evidence from crime scenes
ExplanationAnalyzing physical evidence from crime scenes.
#6
What is the 'right to counsel'?
The right to have an attorney present during trials and interrogations
ExplanationRight to an attorney during trials and interrogations.
#7
Which of the following is considered a misdemeanor?
Shoplifting small amounts
ExplanationShoplifting small amounts.
#8
The principle of 'legality' in criminal law means:
Only the legislature can make conduct criminal
ExplanationOnly the legislature can criminalize conduct.
#9
What is double jeopardy?
Being tried twice for the same crime in the same jurisdiction
ExplanationBeing tried twice for the same crime in the same jurisdiction.
#10
Which of the following is a characteristic of a common law legal system?
Use of precedent and case law
ExplanationUse of precedent and case law.
#11
In criminal law, 'actus reus' refers to:
The guilty act
ExplanationThe guilty act.
#12
What does the term 'probable cause' refer to?
Reasonable grounds for making a search, pressing a charge, etc.
ExplanationReasonable grounds for search or charges.
#13
What is an 'indictment'?
A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime
ExplanationFormal accusation of a serious crime.
#14
What is 'capital punishment'?
The death penalty for a crime
ExplanationDeath penalty for a crime.
#15
What principle requires that a crime must have a law defining it before it can be charged?
Ex post facto law
ExplanationCrime needing a defining law before charge.
#16
What does 'statutory law' refer to?
Laws passed by legislatures
ExplanationLaws passed by legislatures.
#17
Mens rea refers to:
The mental state of the defendant at the time of the crime
ExplanationThe mental state of the defendant at the time of the crime.
#18
What does the 'exclusionary rule' entail?
Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court
ExplanationIllegally obtained evidence cannot be used in court.
#19
What is 'habeas corpus'?
A principle that allows prisoners to challenge their imprisonment
ExplanationPrisoners' right to challenge their imprisonment.
#20
What does 'jury nullification' refer to?
A jury's right to disregard the law and acquit a defendant
ExplanationJury's right to acquit despite the law.