Criminal Justice Ethics Chapter 8

Which of the following is an example of a correctional officer misusing his/her authority?

Exploiting prisoners for sex, Extorting prisoners, Concealing known rule violation between offenders and visitors.

Deterrence or "reformation" sees criminal behavior as a consequence of social/psychological shortcomings and thus endeavors to correct those shortcomings.

False

General deterrence is directed at preventing crime among the general population; where as specific deterrence is aimed at preventing future crimes by the offender.

False

Incapacitation is applied simply in proportion to the seriousness of the offense; it is the "eye for an eye" system of justice described in the Old Testament.

False

Studies demonstrate that punishments such as whipping and paddling are successful deterrents to subsequent criminal behavior.

False

There must be greater reliance on ethical conduct in police-public interactions than in corrections personnel - offender interactions.

False

Formalism looks backward, basing punishment solely on the seriousness of the crime committed; utilitarianism looks forward, with punishment aimed at its deterrent impact in the future.

True

Preferential treatment of offenders and misuse of one's official position are the two largest categories of ethical violations in corrections.

True

Prison populations are utilitarian concerns when used to determine an appropriate punishment.

True

The only punishment rationale acceptable to formalist thinkers is retribution.

True

Some believe that an alternate punishment is needed that is "properly painful," proportional to the offense, humane, and less expensive than prison. It has been argued by some that electric shock, that applies a non-lasting intense pain, can do the job. It is over in seconds, not years; it serves as an example to others; and it punishes only the offender, not his family. Which school of thought would most likely not consider electric shock as an alternative?

Formalism

Which rationale for punishment is not acceptable to utilitarians?

Retribution

Which of the following is not a rationale for punishment?

Revenge

The issue of errors in a number of capital cases is a serious concern because it creates doubt about whether justice, a cardinal virtue, is served by capital punishment, especially since there is no way to correct a mistake. This is of greatest concern to which ethical system?

Virtue Ethics

According to Aristotle, punishment is necessary to maintain civil peace and protect individual liberties.

True

According to the Eighth Amendment, the method of death could constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

True

The caning of Michael Fay is an example of capital punishment.

True

What argument would a utilitarian make in opposition to the death penalty?

It is cheaper to keep someone in prison for life than it is to kill them.

Dick and Jane were a wealthy childless couple-that is until Dick lost his position at a Fortune 500 firm. Turning to crime was the only way for them to maintain their lavish lifestyle. Recently, both were caught robbing a local bank. Neither had any prior criminal history. Dick was sentenced to five years in prison; Jane received five years probation. This is an example of ________.

Sentencing disparity

This occurs when offenders with similar histories commit similar crimes, but receive widely different sentences.

Sentencing disparity

Sentencing guidelines attempt to reduce disparity in sentencing by recommending a "guideline sentence" based on ________ and ________.

Seriousness of the crime and the offender's prior record

The trend toward citing international laws as justifications for U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding the death penalty suggests the decline of moral relativism.

True

When a former New York governor opposed capital punishment on the grounds that death was Basic and prisoners deserved a life of relentless confinement, his argument was a retributive one.

True

When sentencing guidelines are used to restrict available prison space to serious and habitual offenders, this is a formalist way of thinking.

True

Darlene Johnson, a mother of four children, and pregnant with a fifth, was convicted of three counts of child abuse. The judge sentenced her to a year in jail, to be followed by implantation of the birth control device, Norplant. According to the judge, "it is not safe for her to have any more children." Which ethical rationale most appropriately justifies his sentence?

Utilitarian