Criminology and Justice Unit 1 & 2 Exam

Match each crime survey or program with the best description.

(NCVS)- victim reported data (NIBRS)- detailed crime data (UCR)- basic crime data

Which statement(s) accurately describe plea bargains? There is more than one correct answer. Be sure to select all that apply.

- They reduce sentence severity. -They help defendants save money.

Alex is a prosecutor trying to maximize a defendant's prison time. What level of crime should Alex charge the defendant with?

Class A felony

Which statement about crime rates from 1995 through 2015 is most accurate?

Crime rates dropped over this time period.

For a prosecutor to pursue a felony charge, the victim must decide to press charges. Is the previous statement true or false?

False

There are only two essential elements of a crime, the actual criminal act and the level of intent. Is the previous statement true or false?

False

To be charged with an inchoate offense, an individual has to demonstrate the intent to commit the crime, even if they don't take substantial steps toward committing that crime. Is the previous statement true or false?

False

How does the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) improve on the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program?

It includes all crimes committed during an incident.

A person who promotes the idea of committing a specific crime, but does not help carry out the crime, can still be charged with aiding and abetting. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

Actus reus refers to the criminal act. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

Even if no violence occurs, a crime is still considered violent if the perpetrator threatened to use force. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

Feigned agreement is a legal defense to conspiracy charges and is based on the claim that the accused only pretended they would help commit a crime. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

First-degree crimes are the most serious and carry the most severe penalties. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

If a person charged with accomplice liability called the police before the crime was committed, they could use the legal defense of withdrawal. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

The legal defense of withdrawal of conspiracy means the accused ended their agreement to participate in the crime and took steps to prevent the crime. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data seems to underestimate the true crime rate. Is the previous statement true or false?

True

Which type of offense involves helping someone commit a crime without participating in the main act?

accomplice

Which offense is an example of a violent crime?

assault

Which criminal act is an example of an act of omission?

child neglect

If Celia has been sentenced to 2 years in prison, what type of crime was she most likely convicted of?

felony

Which program brings victims and offenders together to make a shared decision about how to resolve a problem?

mediation

Which element of a crime means "guilty mind" in Latin?

mens rea

What type of mens rea is the least culpable and is associated with having no intent to harm anyone?

negligent

After an arrest is made, who has the greatest influence on what crimes a suspect will be charged with?

prosecutors

What type of mens rea is demonstrated when a drunk driver causes an accident that injures others?

reckless

Based on crime statistics, which group should crime prevention programs target?

school-age boys

According to New York state law, which crime would be considered arson in the first degree?

setting a fire for insurance money, causing multiple injuries to innocent bystanders

Theft of which vehicle would be classified as a motor vehicle theft?

snowmobile

Which offense is an example of a property crime?

vandalism