Question 1

Donovan went to a party as his fraternity house. Over 100 people showed up to the party; it was a huge success. The only downfall is that there were only two bathrooms in the entire house. After having a few too many beers Donovan really had to urinate and decided to do so outside since both bathrooms were occupied. He was not discreet about it at all and ended up dropping his pants right on the sidewalk next to a busy road. If he is arrested for this behavior what is the most likely charge?

Accepted Answer

Based on the information provided, Donovan's act of urinating in public, especially with the added detail of dropping his pants right on the sidewalk next to a busy road, most directly aligns with the charge of indecent exposure. This charge typically involves exposing one's genitals in a public place, which Donovan did, according to the scenario.

Question 2

______ is when three or more individuals agreed to the illegal purpose prior to engaging in violence.

Accepted Answer

Riot is when three or more individuals agreed to the illegal purpose prior to engaging in violence.

Question 3

All of the following are consequences of what some consider to be the overreach of criminal law EXCEPT ______.

Accepted Answer

The statement in D is not a consequence of the overreach of criminal law but rather an opinion or argument about the nature of offenses. The other options (A, B, C) describe potential consequences of criminal law overreach, such as inflated prices due to lack of legal competition, undermining of condemnation due to legal inconsistencies, and the driving of individuals into criminal subcultures.

Question 4

What are some of the criticisms of current prostitution laws?

Accepted Answer

All of these points are criticisms of current prostitution laws. Prostitutes being labeled as criminals can lead to social stigma and legal issues, placing them in danger by pushing the industry underground and making it harder for them to seek protection. Additionally, the illegal status of prostitution in many places means the government misses out on potential tax revenue from this industry.

Question 5

The mens rea for disorderly conduct is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The mens rea for disorderly conduct can vary depending on the specific state statute, as different jurisdictions may define the offense and its required mental state differently.

Question 6

Gayle and her daughter Michele live together. Gayle has had trouble paying the bills for some time now and needs Michele to get a job. She knows that a minimum wage job will not be of much help, so she encourages her daughter to consider prostitution. Initially, Michele is hesitant but still entertains the idea. Gayle tells Michele she plans to kick her out of the house if she doesn't start soon. Afraid of being homeless, Michele begins working as a prostitute. Has Gayle committed a crime?

Accepted Answer

Gayle could be charged with pandering because she encouraged and coerced Michele into prostitution, which involves soliciting someone to engage in prostitution.

Question 7

All of the following crimes is said to disproportionately target young people, minorities, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds EXCEPT ______.

Accepted Answer

White-collar crimes typically involve financial misconduct and are more associated with individuals in higher socioeconomic positions, not disproportionately targeting young people, minorities, or those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds like the other options listed.

Question 8

All of the following are examples of a victimless crimes EXCEPT ______.

Accepted Answer

Trespassing involves entering someone else's property without permission, which directly affects the property owner, making it not a victimless crime. Prostitution, possession of obscene materials, and gambling are considered victimless crimes because they primarily involve consenting adults and do not directly harm others.

Question 9

Rhonda and Joe recently ended their 9 year relationship. It didn't end well. She made 1,000 flyers with his picture on it under the title "SCUMBAG" and included his home address and phone number. She wanted him to experience public humiliation and ridicule. Under the common law, what type of offense might this be?

Accepted Answer

Rhonda's actions could be considered a constructive breach of the peace under common law because she is creating a situation that could incite disturbances or violence indirectly by distributing flyers that could provoke public outrage or lead to Joe being targeted. This does not directly involve physical violence or disturbance (which would be an extrinsic breach), but it could lead to such situations indirectly.

Question 10

Michele loves dogs. She takes in every stray she finds and often saves them from being euthanized at shelters. Her house has been completely overrun and as a result she has been keeping them in her shed. Her shed is a small 10 × 10 space filled with nearly 90 dogs. What may cause her to be brought up on criminal charges for her seemingly humanitarian behavior?

Accepted Answer

Michele may face criminal charges under cruelty to animals laws due to the overcrowded and likely inadequate living conditions for the dogs in her small shed, which can lead to neglect and harm to the animals.

Question 11

All of the following are findings by the Illinois Legislature concerning the peril posed by gangs EXCEPT ______.

Accepted Answer

The statement that gangs are primarily comprised by low-income minority males is not a finding by the Illinois Legislature concerning the peril posed by gangs. This choice introduces a stereotype that is not part of the legislative findings, which generally focus on the behaviors and impacts of gangs rather than demographic compositions. The other options (A, B, C) reflect concerns about the effects of gangs on communities, their organization, and the threat they pose to public safety, which are in line with legislative findings on the issue.

Question 12

Blake pulled up to a red streetlight in Chicago at an intersection where homeless individuals frequently ask for money. Today was no different than any other. The usual young male was standing there in dirty tattered clothes looking slightly more disheveled than usual, but that is to be expected with the heat wave the city was currently experiencing. Today, the man seemed rather pushy. Instead of just standing on the corner hoping someone would offer to help him out he came up to Blake's car window, repeatedly banging his fist and loudly yelling that he was in need of money. Blake began to feel extremely uncomfortable and threatened. Luckily after a stressful minute or two the light turned green and he drove off. If the homeless man committed a crime, what type of crime might it be?

Accepted Answer

The homeless man's actions could be considered a crime against public order and morals, as his aggressive behavior in a public space could be seen as disturbing the peace or causing public alarm.

Question 13

______ is when a masseur or masseuse stimulates the genital organs of another, whether resulting in orgasm or not, by manual or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse or by instrumental manipulation for money or the substantial equivalent thereof.

Accepted Answer

Masturbation for hire is the correct term for the act described, where a masseur or masseuse stimulates the genital organs of another for monetary compensation or its substantial equivalent, regardless of whether it results in orgasm. This activity does not necessarily involve sexual intercourse but is focused on manual or instrumental stimulation.

Question 14

Which case established the three-part test for obscenity?

Accepted Answer

Miller v. California established the three-part test for obscenity, which is used to determine what constitutes obscene material not protected by the First Amendment.

Question 15

In what case did the court find the criminalization of homelessness by the city police by harassing homeless individuals by preventing them from congregating in areas where pantries made free food available?

Accepted Answer

Pottinger v. City of Miami is the case where the court found the criminalization of homelessness by city police, who harassed homeless individuals to prevent them from congregating in areas where pantries made free food available.

Question 16

All of the following are situations in which loitering or prowling is punished under the Model Penal Code EXCEPT ______.

Accepted Answer

The Model Penal Code requires that before an arrest for loitering or prowling can be made, the individual must be given an opportunity to dispel any alarm or immediate concern which would otherwise be warranted by refusing to identify themselves or explain their presence and conduct. Option C, where the young man is immediately arrested without any opportunity to identify himself or explain his behavior, does not align with this requirement.

Question 17

Rebecca has lived in the same neighborhood for 40 years. It's where her parents and grandparents lived too. When they first moved there, nearly 100 years ago, it was a very nice place. In fact, they were proud to be there. Throughout Rebecca's lifetime she has noticed the neighborhood slowly going downhill. It began with a few foreclosed and abandoned homes. Then graffiti showed up and drunks and drug addicts began frequenting the abandoned lots. Now she is afraid to go outside. Just last week there was a drive by shooting two blocks from her home. The slow decline of Rebecca's neighborhood is an example of what?

Accepted Answer

The broken windows theory suggests that visible signs of disorder and neglect, such as broken windows, graffiti, and abandoned homes, can lead to an increase in crime and further disorder, as they signal that an area is uncared for and may encourage more serious crimes.

Question 18

What is the premise of the broken windows theory?

Accepted Answer

The broken windows theory posits that visible signs of disorder and neglect, such as broken windows, encourage further crime and antisocial behavior. Addressing these small problems early can prevent larger issues from developing.

Question 19

______ is a misdemeanor sexual offense described as an unmarried person who engages in voluntary sexual intercourse with another individual.

Accepted Answer

Fornication is the correct term for the misdemeanor sexual offense described as an unmarried person engaging in voluntary sexual intercourse with another individual.

Question 20

Bill went to Millennium Park to protest the recent budget cuts to education in Cook County. It was a spur of the moment thing and as a result he was alone in his efforts. Nonetheless he yelled and marched and held various signs up to get his point across. He is arrested and charged with rioting. Is this charge appropriate in the given circumstance?

Accepted Answer

A riot typically involves a group of people causing public disturbance, so a single person cannot be charged with rioting.

Quiz 15: Crimes Against Public Order and Morality