Identify and then compare and contrast the two perspectives on law and society.

What will be an ideal response?


Law and society scholars tend to view the relationship between law and society through the lens of two opposing theoretical perspectives. The consensus perspective views society as sharing common values and as relatively stable. Law is a mechanism for resolving the occasional disputes that may arise and serves to keep society stable and balanced. A central function of law is to help to ensure that people will cooperate with one another and that society will operate in a smooth and integrated fashion. At the other end of continuum is the conflict perspective. Conflict is viewed as a central aspect of society. This is the mirror opposite of the consensus model. Society is viewed as composed of competing groups, and the law is an instrument of coercion that is employed by dominant and powerful groups to maintain their power and control.

Criminal Justice

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Punishment for the crime of being an accessory to a felony is:

a. a felony. b. a misdemeanor. c. a felony wobbler. d. dependent on the crime.

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Which of the following constitutional provisions has NOT successfully been used to challenge an identification procedure?

a. Fourth Amendment b. Sixth Amendment c. Fourteenth Amendment d. Eighth Amendment

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The second critical element in establishing criminality is the mens rea, also referred to as "guilty mind."

a. true b. false

Criminal Justice

President Herbert Hoover established the National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement (otherwise known as Wickersham Commission) in:

A. 1920 B. 1925 C. 1929 D. 1931

Criminal Justice