Describe focal concerns theory.
What will be an ideal response?
Steffensmeier (1980) originated focal concerns theory as a way of explaining judicial decision making, primarily as it relates to criminal sentencing (Steffensmeier, Ulmer, & Kramer, 1998; Ulmer, 1997). This framework maintains that sentencing decisions are shaped by three primary focal concerns: blameworthiness, protection of the community, and the practical constraints and consequences of the sentencing decision.
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_______________ is produced by mixing cocaine with baking soda and water
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 was designed to:
a. punish chronic juvenile offenders. b. deinstitutionalize status offenders. c. create long term secure confinement institutions. d. None of the above
Your textbook gives four examples of the claims that a convicted offender can make at allocution. Which of the following is NOT one of these claims?
A. that his or her civil rights are being violated by the sentence B. that he or she is not the person who was found guilty at trial C. that she is pregnant D. that he or she has gone insane since the verdict was rendered
Crimes, such as gambling or prostitution, that are not "wrong in themselves" but are prohibited by government, are called a. mala prohibita. b. mala in se
c. felonies. d. norms.