Jeff Johnson is the newest judge to take the bench in the fifth district of Virginia. He spent 25 years as a prosecutor before being elected to the court. He is known for his lenient views on drugs and his extreme conservative views on crimes of violence. Rebecca is a 37-year-old black woman standing in front of Judge Johnson in absolute disbelief that she has not received a life sentence for killing her husband while he slept. She was in an abusive marriage. Instead, she received a five-year sentence. How can extralegal factors best explain Judge Johnson's decision?
A. Judge Johnson is also black and therefore has more sympathy.
B. Older offenders get sentenced to lesser punishments than the young.
C. Minorities are sentenced to more prison time than whites.
D. Women are more likely to be treated leniently.
Answer: D
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Consider the implications of the ethical problem presented by the utilitarian logic behind deterrence-that it "doesn't matter who you punish," even when you are talking about capital punishment. Whether they are guilty or not, it "only matters that you punish someone." Discuss.
What will be an ideal response?
______ are patterns of values, norms, and behavior, which have become traditional among certain groups.
A. Subcultural theory B. Social disorganization theory C. Social learning theory D. Routine activities theory
This doctrine requires a judge to decide a case by applying the rule of law found in previous cases, provided the facts are similar
a. selective incorporation c. precedent b. judicial restraint d. jurisprudence
Protection from unreasonable search and seizure is provided under:
a. the Fourth Amendment. b. the Fifth Amendment. c. the Sixth Amendment. d. the Eighth Amendment.