Distinguish among the terms probable cause, reasonable suspicion, and beyond a reasonable doubt as each applies to criminal law.

What will be an ideal response?


While there is no universal definition of probable cause, it is the minimum amount of evidence necessary for a search, seizure, or arrest to be proper under the Fourth Amendment. Reasonable suspicion is required to support temporary detentions and frisks. In a criminal trial, the defendant must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in order for a conviction to be sustained.

Criminal Justice

You might also like to view...

Research has shown that most criminals fall into stage 3 or 4 of Kohlberg's stages of moral development

a. True b. False

Criminal Justice

Which hostage-taker suffers from the delusional belief that they are in some type of danger?

a. Final statement hostage-taker b. Mission-oriented hostage-taker c. Paranoid hostage-taker d. Violent-ideological hostage-taker

Criminal Justice

Which of the following program fidelity factors focuses on the intended participants of the program?

a. provider training b. provider qualifications c. materials d. target population

Criminal Justice

Changes in the insanity defense have included efforts to

a. shift the burden of proof to the defendant in such cases c. allow for a "guilty by mentally ill" verdict b. abolish the insanity defense d. all of the above

Criminal Justice