Question 1

A prosecutor and a defence lawyer were in attendance at court. They had worked with each other and with the various other courtroom personnel over many different cases. In fact, professional bonds had formed among many of the personnel. What is the term that describes this cohesive group of people?

Accepted Answer

The term "courtroom work group" describes the cohesive group of people, including the prosecutor, defense lawyer, and other courtroom personnel, who work together over various cases, forming professional bonds.

Question 2

Which term refers to the right of the accused to change their mind about the type of trial they want to have?

Accepted Answer

Re-election refers to the right of the accused to change their decision regarding the type of trial they wish to have, such as opting for a jury trial instead of a bench trial or vice versa.

Question 3

Researchers studying the criminal court processing of all individuals charged with a criminal offence discover that members of certain racial minority groups are treated differently once they enter their plea in court. What type of discrimination have the researchers discovered?

Accepted Answer

Institutionalized discrimination refers to the unfair, indirect treatment of an individual or group by an organization, institution, or system of power. In this scenario, the differential treatment of members of certain racial minority groups by the criminal court system after they enter their plea indicates a pattern or practice that is part of the institution's operations, thus constituting institutionalized discrimination.

Question 4

Which term best describes how the informal processing of an accused person in our criminal justice system is looked at?

Accepted Answer

The term "vertically" best describes how the informal processing of an accused person in our criminal justice system is looked at, as it refers to the progression or movement through the stages of the system, from initial arrest to final disposition.

Question 5

An administrator reviews the court processing of all adults during the past year in her jurisdiction. After analyzing all of the data, she discovers that almost all of the individuals processed are young. What has she discovered about the court processing of individuals based on their age?

Accepted Answer

Disparity in this context refers to a significant difference or inequality in the age distribution of individuals processed by the court, indicating that younger individuals are more frequently processed than older ones. This does not necessarily imply discrimination but highlights an imbalance.

Question 6

How many of the 70 robbers Desroches interviewed pleaded guilty in provincial court?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How many of the 70 robbers Desroches...

Question 7

In which of the following do members of the courtroom work group "make sense" of the individuals and cases being processed through the courts in an assessment that may only in part be influenced by legal criteria?

Accepted Answer

Normal crimes refer to the concept where members of the courtroom work group categorize cases and individuals based on their experiences and expectations, which may not always be strictly based on legal criteria. This process helps them manage the vast number of cases they encounter.

Question 8

Both Amanpreet and Navjeet recently were charged with a similar offence under the Canadian Criminal Code. Interestingly, Amanpreet received a different sentence than Navjeet. What is the cause or reason for this difference in sentencing?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Both Amanpreet and Navjeet recently were charged...

Question 9

The trials of Russell Williams, Clifford Olson, Karla Homolka, and Robert Pickton are examples of celebrated Canadian cases. Upon which layer of the wedding cake would these cases be included?

Accepted Answer

Layer 1 of the wedding cake model of criminal justice includes high-profile cases that attract a lot of public attention and media coverage, which applies to the trials of Russell Williams, Clifford Olson, Karla Homolka, and Robert Pickton.

Question 10

Which section of the Anti-terrorism Act allows authorities in Canada to arrest suspects without a warrant and to detain them for up to 72 hours without charge?

Accepted Answer

The section referred to as "preventive arrest" allows Canadian authorities to arrest suspects without a warrant and detain them for up to 72 hours without charge, as part of measures to prevent terrorist activities.

Question 11

Madison is asked by the Crown prosecutor to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence. What type of justice does this demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Bargain justice is a type of justice in which the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence.

Question 12

When the system operates like a wedding cake, which layer includes the less serious crimes?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When the system operates like a wedding...

Question 13

According to the Law Reform Commission, what is the reality of the criminal justice system?

Accepted Answer

The Law Reform Commission often acknowledges that the reality of the criminal justice system falls short of its aspirations, indicating that while the goals and ideals of the system are high, the actual outcomes and processes do not always meet these expectations.

Question 14

To date, how many verdicts have been reached in cases involving a terrorism charge?

Accepted Answer

The answer of To date, how many verdicts have been...

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of the courtroom work group?

Accepted Answer

The courtroom work group often operates under the presumption of guilt, as the members (prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges) work together to efficiently process cases, sometimes prioritizing expediency over strict adherence to formal procedures or the presumption of innocence.

Question 16

Which statement best describes the criminal justice funnel?

Accepted Answer

The criminal justice funnel concept illustrates how at each step of the criminal justice process, from initial observation and reporting of a crime to the final resolution, the number of cases continues to decrease. This is often due to various factors, including the lack of sufficient evidence for prosecutors to proceed with charges, leading to many cases being dropped or dismissed before reaching trial.

Question 17

Ericson and Baranek (1982) argue that the formal system operates only in theory, therefore "legal justice" does not exist. What form of justice do most defendants receive?

Accepted Answer

Ericson and Baranek (1982) argue that in practice, the formal legal system often gives way to a process of negotiation and compromise, leading to what they term "bargain justice." This concept reflects the reality that many legal outcomes are the result of plea bargaining and other forms of negotiation rather than strict adherence to formal legal procedures and principles.

Question 18

Which of the following is granted to most inmates after serving two-thirds of their sentence?

Accepted Answer

Statutory release is a provision in many jurisdictions that allows most inmates to be automatically released after serving two-thirds of their sentence, under supervision and with certain conditions, to facilitate their reintegration into society.

Question 19

Which type of discrimination is mainly concerned with system outcomes or results?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which type of discrimination is mainly concerned...

Question 20

Studies in Manitoba have found evidence of systemic discrimination among which group of peoples?

Accepted Answer

Studies in Manitoba, as well as in other parts of Canada, have consistently found evidence of systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples. This includes disparities in health, education, and justice systems, among other areas.

Quiz 1: An Overview of the Criminal Justice System in Canada