Define homicide. Explain how criminal and noncriminal homicides are distinguished
What will be an ideal response?
Homicide is the killing of a human being by another human being. Homicide is a legally neutral term. For it to be criminal, it must be "unjustified and unexcused." This implies that certain homicides are legally permissible, which is indeed true. Law enforcement officials can escape punishment for homicides carried out in the course of their legal duties. Likewise, ordinary citizens who kill out of self-defense (or defense of another) can escape conviction because their actions were justified. These justification defenses, however, do not necessarily serve as bars to prosecution. Unless the case is particularly clear-cut, especially if an ordinary citizen is involved, it is possible that a homicide prosecution could result. The defendant would then need to succeed with a justification defense in order to escape conviction. The same is true of certain excuse defenses, examples being duress and insanity.
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Describe the basic features of psychological explanations for crime. What are the shortcomings of this perspective?
What will be an ideal response?
Indeterminate sentencing requires a judge to impose a nondiscretionary minimum period of incarceration that everyone convicted of that crime must serve
a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Discuss the importance of the right to a trial by jury as it relates to the process of sentencing convicted offenders. Discuss the impact of Apprendi v. New Jersey (2000)
What will be an ideal response?
A search may legally be conducted by police if
a. an arrest has been made. b. consent to search is given. c. a search warrant has been issued. d. any of the other choices. e. none of the other choices.