Criminology and Justice Exam 5 & 6

What are the disadvantages of habitual offender laws? There is more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.

1. They have significantly increased the number of people in prison. 2. They sometimes lead to life sentences for nonviolent offenders.

Which factors could qualify a murder as a capital crime? There is more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.

1. premeditation 2. prior murder convictions

What information is typically included in a presentence investigation report (PSI)? Select all that apply.

1. the offender's current living situation 2. the offender's educational and employment information 3. (There is a third answer, but I don't know it.)

Which crimes could result in the death penalty? There may be more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.

1. treason 2. aggravated murder

Which people are most likely to present the aggravating factors during the sentencing hearing? There is more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.

1. victim 2. prosecutor

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 the best explanation of the use of the death penalty in the United States?

Execution rates vary, with southern states executing the most prisoners.

"Statutory law" refers to the body of law built up over time by court decisions. Is the previous statement true or false?

False

If an aggravating factor makes a murder a capital crime, the defendant must be sentenced to death. Is the previous statement true or false?

False

Mitigating factors typically lead to longer criminal sentences. Is the previous statement true or false?

False

Releasing an offender from prison early for good behavior is called probation. Is the previous statement true or false?

False

What do supporters see as a benefit of mandatory minimum sentences?

NOT: They eliminate racial disparities in drug sentencing.

According to Supreme Court rulings, which mitigating factor means the death sentence cannot be imposed regardless of the crime?

NOT: traumatic childhood

Which statement best describes the penalty phase of a capital trial? Select the best answer.

The jury imposes a sentence days or weeks after the initial guilty verdict.

A major advantage of parole and probation is their low cost relative to incarceration. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

Executing a murderer in the hopes of keeping others from committing murder is an example of general deterrence. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

If a judge wanted a defendant who has been convicted of multiple crimes to serve the shortest possible time in prison, the judge would order concurrent sentences. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

Mandatory minimum sentences require prison time for certain offenses, even if the judge does not want to sentence the offender to prison.

True

Sentencing guidelines have succeeded in making sentencing decisions more consistent across judges. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

Sentencing guidelines typically focus on the severity of the offense and the offender's criminal background. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

Read the scenario. A judge sentences a defendant found guilty of three counts of larceny to a year in prison for each count. However, the judge says the defendant can serve all three sentences at the same time. What type of sentence is this scenario an example of?

concurrent sentence

What is the punishment goal of incapacitation?

containing criminals so they cannot hurt people

What is the result of habitual offender laws?

longer prison sentences for repeat offenders

What were federal sentencing guidelines designed to do?

make sentencing consistent across judges

Which sentence would be most effective at incapacitating an offender?

prison

Read the scenario. Ben became addicted to pain medication following an injury at work. Recently, he stole petty cash from work to buy pain pills. If Ben is sentenced to substance abuse treatment, this would be an example of which sentencing goal?

rehabilitation

Which sentencing goal is not a goal of capital punishment?

rehabilitation

Having an offender make payments to a victim to cover medical bills is an example of which sentencing goal?

restitution

Which punishment philosophy emphasizes making offenders pay for their crimes?

retribution

What would a judge consider an aggravating factor?

targeting a police officer