Question 1

When prosecutors elect not to prosecute, they enter a

Accepted Answer

A notation of nolle prosequi is entered by prosecutors when they decide not to prosecute a case. This term is Latin for "we shall no longer prosecute," indicating the formal decision to drop charges.

Question 2

The ________ mandate(s) that a prosecutor provide defense counsel with any exculpatory evidence in the prosecutor's possession.

Accepted Answer

The rules of discovery mandate that a prosecutor must provide the defense with any exculpatory evidence, which is evidence that might exonerate the defendant.

Question 3

The role of defense lawyers is to

Accepted Answer

The primary role of defense lawyers is to offer the best possible legal representation and advocacy for their clients, adhering to legal and ethical standards. This involves defending their clients' rights and interests within the framework of the law, not misleading the court or determining guilt.

Question 4

Approximately what percentage of all lawyers in the United States were female in 2012?

Accepted Answer

In 2012, approximately 33% of all lawyers in the United States were female. This reflects gradual increases in gender diversity within the legal profession over the years.

Question 5

According to a recent Gallup poll, what percentage of Americans rated the honesty and ethical standards of lawyers "high" or "very high"
In 2011?

Accepted Answer

In 2011, according to a Gallup poll, 19% of Americans rated the honesty and ethical standards of lawyers as "high" or "very high."

Question 6

Nationally known "celebrity" criminal lawyers take clients only if their cases meet one of three conditions, given in your text. Which of the following is NOT one of these three conditions?

Accepted Answer

The three conditions that nationally known "celebrity" criminal lawyers typically consider when taking clients are: cases that promise to make new law, cases that are sensational or highly publicized, and cases that involve large fees. Helping the oppressed or downtrodden is not listed among these criteria.

Question 7

Public defenders commonly spend ________ with their clients.

Accepted Answer

Public defenders often have very high caseloads, which limits the amount of time they can spend with each client. Typically, they might only spend 5 to 10 minutes with a client, especially in initial meetings or for minor cases.

Question 8

Your textbook describes six nontrial duties of judges. Which of the following is NOT one of these nontrial duties?

Accepted Answer

Judges are expected to remain impartial and not engage in activities that could compromise their neutrality, such as fundraising for political purposes. Accepting guilty pleas, informing suspects of their rights, and setting or revoking bail are all judicial duties related to the management and conduct of court proceedings.

Question 9

Which of the following is a judicial selection process in which the governor appoints judges from a list of qualified lawyers compiled by a nonpartisan nominating commission composed of both lawyers and other citizens?

Accepted Answer

Merit selection, also known as the Missouri Plan, involves a nonpartisan nominating commission that selects a list of qualified candidates from which the governor appoints judges. This process is designed to minimize political influence by involving both legal professionals and ordinary citizens in the selection process.

Question 10

Which of the following methods was used by the most states in the selection of their highest appellate court judges in 2012?

Accepted Answer

In 2012, merit selection was the most commonly used method among states for selecting their highest appellate court judges. This system, also known as the Missouri Plan, combines appointment and election elements to select judges based on their qualifications rather than political affiliation.

Question 11

When do suspects become defendants?

Accepted Answer

Suspects become defendants after a charge or charges have been formally filed against them, marking the transition from being merely suspected of a crime to being officially accused.

Question 12

After suspects officially become defendants, they are brought before a lower-court judge for

Accepted Answer

The answer of After suspects officially become defendants, they are...

Question 13

The Supreme Court has ruled that anyone arrested without a warrant may be held no longer than ________ before a judge decides whether the arrest was justified.

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court has established that individuals arrested without a warrant must be brought before a judge for a determination on the justification of the arrest within 48 hours. This ruling aims to protect the rights of the detained and ensure a prompt review of the legality of their detention.

Question 14

Which of the following is usually a monetary guarantee deposited with the court that is supposed to ensure that the suspect or defendant will appear at a later stage in the criminal justice process?

Accepted Answer

Bail is the monetary guarantee deposited with the court to ensure that a suspect or defendant appears for court proceedings.

Question 15

Holding suspects or defendants in jail without giving them an opportunity to post bail because of the threat they pose to society is called

Accepted Answer

Preventive detention refers to the practice of holding suspects or defendants in jail without bail when they are considered a threat to public safety or are at high risk of fleeing before their trial.

Question 16

Which of the following is simply a release secured by a suspect's written promise to appear in court?

Accepted Answer

Release on own recognizance is when a suspect is released after promising, in writing, to appear in court for future proceedings, without having to pay bail.

Question 17

The alternative to the grand jury, in states that do not choose to utilize them, is the filing of a(n)

Accepted Answer

The alternative to the grand jury is the filing of an "information," which is a formal accusation of a crime made by a prosecutor, as opposed to an indictment, which is made by a grand jury.

Question 18

When defendants plead nolo contendere, they

Accepted Answer

When defendants plead nolo contendere, they do not admit guilt but are willing to accept punishment. This plea allows them to accept punishment without formally admitting guilt, often used to avoid admitting liability in civil suits that might arise from the same facts as the criminal case.

Question 19

Your textbook identifies three basic types of plea bargaining. Which of the following is NOT one of these basic types of plea bargaining?

Accepted Answer

Types of plea bargaining typically include charge bargaining (B), sentence bargaining (C), and count bargaining, which is similar to pleading guilty to a lesser offense (D). Pleading for mercy before sentencing (A) is not categorized as a basic type of plea bargaining in the context of legal studies.

Question 20

When did plea bargaining become a common practice in state courts?

Accepted Answer

Plea bargaining became a common practice in state courts shortly after the Civil War, as courts became more congested and sought efficient ways to process cases. This practice allowed courts to handle the increasing caseloads by encouraging defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for lighter sentences, thus avoiding lengthy trials.

Quiz 8: The Administration of Justice