Define plea bargaining and discuss its positive and negative effects on the operation of the criminal justice system. What impact does it have on the defendant?
What will be an ideal response?
Plea bargaining is the exchange of prosecutorial and judicial concessions for a plea of guilty and is one of the most common practices in the criminal justice system today. More than 90 percent of criminal convictions result from negotiated pleas of guilty. The plea bargain affects the criminal justice system positively by reducing overall costs of criminal prosecution. In addition, it improves the efficiency of the courts and frees up the prosecution's to devote more time to more serious cases. The negative effects on the system include the possibility that dangerous offenders will receive lenient sentences and an increase in the danger an innocent person will be convicted. Furthermore, it gives prosecutors a free hand to induce or compel defendants to plea bargain and has created a guilty-plea culture among defense lawyers. Defendants can also receive benefits and harm from the system. On one hand, they will avoid possible detention, an extended trial, and may receive a reduced sentence. Unfortunately, it also encourages defendants to waive their constitutional right to trial and makes it possible defendants will admit guilt if they believe the system is biased and they won't be acquitted.
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A nonexculpatory defense is a defense that is related to the elements of the crime or defendant's alleged fault or guilt
a. True b. False
What is the problem with a governmental overreaction to terrorism?
a. Agencies are created that want to continue existing even when they are no longer necessary and they stress the threat to increase funds and personnel. b. Overreactions to terrorism are usually inclined to give too many freedoms to the people in exchange for removing security. c. The government is amassing a huge national debt and trying to solve terrorism problems only makes it worse. d. The United States has become almost completely militarized and is too focused on gun ownership.
Which of the following is true of the triangulation method of sketching?
A. It is a top-down view of the crime scene, with the walls of the room "folded" down. B. It is a bird's-eye view of the scene that uses fixed objects from which to measure. C. It is usually used for sketching indoor crime scenes. D. The baseline technique is a type of triangulation method.
Offenders can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor under federal, state, and local statutes
Indicate whether the statement is true or false