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Legal Systems and Criminal Justice in Comparative Contexts Quiz

#1

Which legal system is based on statutes and codes?

Civil Law
Explanation

Statutes and codes form the basis of legal rules and regulations in Civil Law.

#2

Which document serves as the foundation of the United States legal system?

The U.S. Constitution
Explanation

The U.S. Constitution establishes the framework for the legal system and government in the United States.

#3

In which legal system are judicial decisions and precedents a primary source of law?

Common Law
Explanation

Common Law relies heavily on previous judicial decisions and precedents to establish legal principles.

#4

Which principle underlines the idea that similar cases should be decided in a similar manner?

Stare decisis
Explanation

Stare decisis promotes consistency in legal decisions by requiring adherence to precedent.

#5

Which legal principle emphasizes that a person is innocent until proven guilty?

Presumption of innocence
Explanation

The presumption of innocence asserts that individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

#6

In criminal justice, what does 'mens rea' refer to?

The motive or guilty mind
Explanation

Mens rea pertains to the mental state or intention behind a criminal act.

#7

Which international court is responsible for prosecuting individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes?

International Criminal Court (ICC)
Explanation

The ICC prosecutes individuals for grave international crimes like genocide and war crimes.

#8

Which country follows a legal system that combines elements of both common law and civil law traditions?

United States
Explanation

The legal system of the United States integrates aspects of both common law and civil law.

#9

What is the primary purpose of restorative justice?

Repairing harm and rebuilding relationships
Explanation

Restorative justice focuses on healing the harm caused by crime and restoring relationships.

#10

What is the main goal of punishment in the criminal justice system?

Retribution
Explanation

Retribution seeks to impose punishment proportional to the severity of the crime committed.

#11

Which international human rights treaty prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment?

Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)
Explanation

The CAT aims to prevent torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

#12

What is the primary role of a grand jury in the United States legal system?

Reviewing evidence to decide if a trial is warranted
Explanation

Grand juries assess evidence to determine whether there's sufficient cause to proceed with a trial.

#13

What is the 'habeas corpus' principle in legal terms?

Right to be free from unlawful detention
Explanation

Habeas corpus protects individuals from arbitrary detention, ensuring their right to liberty.

#14

In a criminal trial, what does the term 'voir dire' refer to?

The examination of potential jurors
Explanation

Voir dire involves screening potential jurors to ensure impartiality.

#15

Who is typically responsible for initiating criminal prosecutions in a common law system?

Public prosecutor
Explanation

Public prosecutors bring criminal charges on behalf of the state in common law systems.

#16

What is the 'beyond a reasonable doubt' standard used in criminal trials?

The standard for determining guilt in criminal cases
Explanation

Beyond a reasonable doubt is the high standard of proof required for a conviction in criminal trials.

#17

What is the concept of 'double jeopardy' in criminal law?

Being tried twice for the same offense
Explanation

Double jeopardy prohibits individuals from being prosecuted or punished twice for the same offense.

#18

Which legal system places a strong emphasis on written codes and statutes?

Civil Law
Explanation

Civil Law relies heavily on written statutes and codes as the primary source of law.

#19

What is the 'exclusionary rule' in criminal law?

Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court
Explanation

The exclusionary rule bars the use of illegally obtained evidence in criminal proceedings.

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