Question 1

A major criticism of the grand jury is that it

Accepted Answer

A)   only considers "true bills."
B)   usually rules "no bill."
C)   consists of more men than women.
D)   usually hears only what the prosecutor chooses to let it hear.E) None of the above
F) All of the above

Question 2

One of the most controversial judicial issues in Texas is the death penalty. Explain some of the reasons for the controversy. How does race play a role in the controversy? What role does the court of criminal appeals play? What is the process by which clemencies are offered?

Accepted Answer

a. Reasons for controversy: One issue is whether all offenders are treated in the same way. Death row inmates are disproportionately minority. Judges are elected and serve at the wishes of the electorate.
b. Role of race: There is a racial and ethnic disparity such that minorities are disproportionately represented on death row. Some argue that there may be a bias in the criminal justice system such that minorities are disproportionately subject to the death penalty.
c. Role of criminal appeals: Judges are elected and affirm the death penalty where there is strong public support for the death penalty.
d. Process of clemencies: The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles votes on clemency for death row inmates. Recommendations are made to the governor by the Board of Pardons and Paroles on whether or not to grant clemency. If the governor does not see any evidence that may help the inmate, there will be no clemency.

Question 3

Police departments are now required to report officer-involved shootings to the state.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 4

The most prison-prone group in society is between the ages of

Accepted Answer

A)   15 and 25.
B)   18 and 25
C)   20 and 29.
D)   18 and 25.E) B) and D)
F) C) and D)

Question 5

Grand juries do not find people guilty of a crime but instead will

Accepted Answer

A)   vote a "true bill."
B)   usually rule "no bill."
C)   vote with the prosecutor.
D)   vote for a bill.E) B) and D)
F) A) and B)

Question 6

A(n)  ________ is a common method prosecutors use to maintain high conviction rates.

Accepted Answer

A)   bench trial
B)   jury trial
C)   plea bargain between the defendant and the state
D)   indictment from a grand juryE) None of the above
F) All of the above

Question 7

In the state of Texas, which race/ethnicity is most likely to be on death row today?

Accepted Answer

A)   Caucasian
B)   African American
C)   Hispanic
D)   Asian AmericanE) A) and B)
F) A) and C) B

Question 8

Plea bargains are not often used in Texas criminal trials.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

The ________ usually provides legal advice to the county commissioners.

Accepted Answer

A)   county judge
B)   district attorney
C)   attorney general
D)   county attorneyE) B) and C)
F) None of the above

Question 10

Drug and alcohol treatment programs throughout the criminal justice system in Texas began during the administration of which governor?

Accepted Answer

A)   Allan Shivers
B)   William Clements
C)   Ann Richards
D)   George BushE) A) and B)
F) B) and D)

Question 11

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney have a constitutional right to have one appointed to them. Which Supreme Court case was instrumental in guaranteeing this right?

Accepted Answer

A)   Ruiz v. Estelle
B)   Gideon v. Wainwright
C)   Miranda v. Arizona
D)   Betts v. BradyE) B) and C)
F) A) and B)

Question 12

Which of the following issues was part of the Ruiz case?

Accepted Answer

A)   excessive fines
B)   the types of drugs used in the death penalty
C)   visitation rights
D)   health careE) A) and C)
F) All of the above

Question 13

________ are less serious crimes.

Accepted Answer

A)   Felonies
B)   Juvenile crimes
C)   Misdemeanors
D)   Aggravated assaultsE) A) and B)
F) A) and C)

Question 14

The average time spent on death row prior to execution is 10.87 years.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 15

The Michael Morton Act established a uniform policy for district attorneys to make material that can help defendants' cases available to defense attorneys.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

In the Texas criminal justice system, crimes are classified as felonies or misdemeanors.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

Arson science is evolving and we now know that what were once believed to be indicators of arson may also appear in an accidental fire.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

It is more expensive to place a person on probation than in prison.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

In the state of Texas, what is the policy for felons' right to vote?

Accepted Answer

A)   Felons are allowed to vote upon full discharge of their sentences.
B)   Felons are allowed to vote upon full discharge of their sentences and completed community service.
C)   Felons are allowed to vote only if their convictions involved crimes lesser than third-degree felonies.
D)   Felons are allowed to vote only upon governor approval.E) All of the above
F) A) and B)

Question 20

According to the Texas Forensic Science Commission, which of the following is junk science and should not be used as evidence in a criminal trial?

Accepted Answer

A)   testimony that connects a partial fingerprint to a specific defendant
B)   testimony that connects a voice recording to a specific defendant
C)   testimony that connects an IP address to a specific defendant's physical address
D)   testimony that connects a bite mark to a specific defendant's teethE) A) and B)
F) All of the above

Exam 13: Crime and Corrections Policy

A major criticism of the grand jury is that it

Correct Answer
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One of the most controversial judicial issues in Texas is the death penalty. Explain some of the reasons for the controversy. How does race play a role in the controversy? What role does the court of criminal appeals play? What is the process by which clemencies are offered?

Police departments are now required to report officer-involved shootings to the state.

Correct Answer
verified

The most prison-prone group in society is between the ages of

Correct Answer
verified

Grand juries do not find people guilty of a crime but instead will

Correct Answer
verified

A(n) ________ is a common method prosecutors use to maintain high conviction rates.

Correct Answer
verified

In the state of Texas, which race/ethnicity is most likely to be on death row today?

Correct Answer
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B

Plea bargains are not often used in Texas criminal trials.

Correct Answer
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The ________ usually provides legal advice to the county commissioners.

Correct Answer
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Drug and alcohol treatment programs throughout the criminal justice system in Texas began during the administration of which governor?

Correct Answer
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Individuals who cannot afford an attorney have a constitutional right to have one appointed to them. Which Supreme Court case was instrumental in guaranteeing this right?

Correct Answer
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Which of the following issues was part of the Ruiz case?

Correct Answer
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________ are less serious crimes.

Correct Answer
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The average time spent on death row prior to execution is 10.87 years.

Correct Answer
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True

The Michael Morton Act established a uniform policy for district attorneys to make material that can help defendants' cases available to defense attorneys.

Correct Answer
verified

In the Texas criminal justice system, crimes are classified as felonies or misdemeanors.

Correct Answer
verified

Arson science is evolving and we now know that what were once believed to be indicators of arson may also appear in an accidental fire.

Correct Answer
verified

It is more expensive to place a person on probation than in prison.

Correct Answer
verified

In the state of Texas, what is the policy for felons' right to vote?

Correct Answer
verified

According to the Texas Forensic Science Commission, which of the following is junk science and should not be used as evidence in a criminal trial?

Correct Answer
verified

Exam 13: Crime and Corrections Policy

A major criticism of the grand jury is that it

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

One of the most controversial judicial issues in Texas is the death penalty. Explain some of the reasons for the controversy. How does race play a role in the controversy? What role does the court of criminal appeals play? What is the process by which clemencies are offered?

Police departments are now required to report officer-involved shootings to the state.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The most prison-prone group in society is between the ages of

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Grand juries do not find people guilty of a crime but instead will

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

A(n) ________ is a common method prosecutors use to maintain high conviction rates.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

In the state of Texas, which race/ethnicity is most likely to be on death row today?

Correct AnswerverifiedB

Plea bargains are not often used in Texas criminal trials.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The ________ usually provides legal advice to the county commissioners.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Drug and alcohol treatment programs throughout the criminal justice system in Texas began during the administration of which governor?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney have a constitutional right to have one appointed to them. Which Supreme Court case was instrumental in guaranteeing this right?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Which of the following issues was part of the Ruiz case?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

________ are less serious crimes.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The average time spent on death row prior to execution is 10.87 years.

Correct AnswerverifiedTrue

The Michael Morton Act established a uniform policy for district attorneys to make material that can help defendants' cases available to defense attorneys.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

In the Texas criminal justice system, crimes are classified as felonies or misdemeanors.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Arson science is evolving and we now know that what were once believed to be indicators of arson may also appear in an accidental fire.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

It is more expensive to place a person on probation than in prison.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

In the state of Texas, what is the policy for felons' right to vote?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

According to the Texas Forensic Science Commission, which of the following is junk science and should not be used as evidence in a criminal trial?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

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B

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True

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