Criminology and Justice Checkpoint 11, 12, and 13
What information would you expect to find in a presentence investigation report (PSI)? There is more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.
(Note: One of these is wrong.) 1. criminal background 2. offense details from the victim's perspective 3. the judge's sentencing recommendation
What are the advantages of habitual offender laws?
1. Repeat offenders know they will face significant prison time. 2. They keep violent offenders off the street.
What are the potential disadvantages of mandatory minimum sentences? There is more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.
1. They lead to increases in prison populations. 2. NOT: They reduce both the specific and general deterrence effect.
What are the advantages of sentencing guidelines? There is more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.
1. They protect defendants from harsh judges. 2. They make sentencing more consistent.
What were the results of three-strikes laws? There is more than one correct answer. Select all that apply.
1. an increase in prison populations 2.an increase in sentence length
Which people are likely to present mitigating information during the sentencing hearing? There is more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.
1. defendant 2. character witnesses 3. defense attorney
Which elements of an allocution tend to sway judges toward lighter sentences? There is more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.
1. realistic plans for the future 2. genuine remorse 3. (There is a third answer, I don't know it)
Which steps are part of the federal sentencing guidelines? There is more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.
1. subtract points for mitigating factors 2. add points for aggravating factors 3. look up the base offense level
A major problem with rehabilitation is that program expenses clearly outweigh societal benefits. Is the previous statement true or false?
False
A major problem with the presentence investigation report (PSI) is that defendants have no opportunity to correct mistakes in the report. Is the previous statement true or false?
False
A woman found guilty of writing bad checks and sentenced to 14 days of detention would probably serve her sentence in prison. Is the previous statement true or false?
False
Children of offenders typically have the best outcomes when their parents are incarcerated and kept away from them.
False
Criminal sentences are typically chosen by juries. Is the previous statement true or false?
False
Electronic monitoring of parolees costs more than keeping people in prison. Is the previous statement true or false?
False
Indeterminate sentences make inmates less likely to participate in rehabilitation programs. Is the previous statement true or false?
False
Mandatory minimum sentences have been rare since the 1970s. Is the previous statement true or false?
False
Punishing an offender for their first crime to keep them from committing other crimes is an example of general deterrence. Is the previous statement true or false?
False
Sentencing guidelines typically consider offense severity but not criminal background. Is the previous statement true or false?
False
To ensure an objective presentence investigation report (PSI), the probation officer should avoid talking with the defendant. Is the previous statement true or false?
False
What is a main requirement of truth-in-sentencing laws?
Inmates must serve at least 85% of their sentence.
What effect does a presentence investigation report (PSI) typically have when it provides information about the defendant's background, family obligations, and life challenges?
It leads to a more lenient sentence.
How much flexibility do federal sentencing guidelines give judges?
Judges must consider the suggested sentence but can choose other sentences.
Which description of mandatory minimum sentences is true?
Judges must sentence the offender to the minimum amount of time established by law.
What is a benefit of discretionary guidelines?
NOT: They lead to fewer sentencing disparities.
For a teenager who was arrested for possession of alcohol but did not harm people or damage property, what would be the most likely sentence?
NOT: parole
Which factor may serve as either a mitigating factor or an aggravating factor, depending on the details? Select the best answer.
NOT: planning the crime in advance
What punishment goal would definitely be met by sending a habitually violent offender to a maximum-security prison?
NOT: restitution
Why were federal mandatory minimum sentences for crack cocaine changed?
They required low-level, nonviolent substance users to serve time.
Why did mandatory minimum sentences become less popular?
They significantly increased prison populations.
If a judge learns that a defendant was abused as a child and committed the crime while under extreme financial pressure, what is the most likely outcome?
This information will serve as a mitigating factor.
Aggravating factors typically lead to longer criminal sentences. Is the previous statement true or false?
True
If a judge wanted a defendant convicted of multiple crimes to serve the longest possible time in prison, the judge would order consecutive sentences. Is the previous statement true or false?
True
Mandatory minimum sentences have led to increases in the US prison population. Is the previous statement true or false?
True
Punishing a juvenile offender in the hopes of preventing adult criminal behavior is an example of specific deterrence. Is the previous statement true or false?
True
The penalty phase of a felony trial begins immediately after the jury delivers the guilty verdict. Is the previous statement true or false?
True
Typical probation requirements include reporting to a probation officer, holding a steady job, and submitting to drug tests. Is the previous statement true or false?
True
What would occur if retribution were not a criminal justice goal?
Vigilante justice would be more likely.
Who typically prepares a presentence investigation report (PSI)?
a probation officer
Read the following scenario. A judge sentences a defendant to two years in prison but says that the defendant does not need to serve that time if they complete an inpatient substance abuse treatment program. This scenario is an example of what type of sentence?
a suspended sentence
What is an aggravating factor?
an aspect of the crime or defendant's criminal history that calls for more serious punishment
incapacitation
containing criminals
Which punishment philosophy emphasizes public safety?
incapacitation
retribution
making people pay for their crimes
What factor would a judge consider a mitigating factor?
playing a minor role in a crime organized by someone else
deterrence
preventing future crime
What is a main benefit of rehabilitation?
reducing the risk of recidivism
Which punishment philosophy includes job training, anger management courses, and educational programs?
rehabilitation
rehabilitation
retraining criminals
Which punishment philosophy is illustrated by the saying "an eye for an eye?"
retribution
Why were federal sentencing guidelines initially developed?
to reduce sentencing disparities
When does deterrence works best?
when it is swift and certain
