Question 1

Sharon Allen is an attorney who is planning to run for a judgeship. She is planning her election strategy. She knows her competition is going to be fierce and is working with various individuals to make her first run a success. When Mrs. Allen assumes her position on the bench, she is shocked at the amount of time she spends scheduling her staff. She spends more time doing this than trying cases. Her biggest function is that of a(n):

Accepted Answer

Given that Sharon Allen spends a significant amount of time scheduling her staff rather than trying cases, her role aligns more with that of an administrator. Administrators are responsible for the management and organization of people, tasks, and resources to ensure efficient operation, which includes scheduling staff among other duties.

Question 2

Bob Campbell has been charged with a series of bank robberies over the last year, stashing his ill-gotten gains in a neighboring state. He has been unemployed and feels as though he had no other recourse than to resort to theft. Mr. Campbell does not have a prior record. Depending on the jurisdiction of Mr. Campbell's case, what would the prosecuting attorney be called?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Bob Campbell has been charged with a...

Question 3

Discuss the key relationships of the prosecutor with others in the criminal justice system. In which relationships does the prosecutor hold more power than the other individuals? In which relationships does the prosecutor hold less power?

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

The role of a defense attorney is often skewed in the media, which leaves many thinking that defense attorneys are extremely wealthy and do everything in their power to prevent their defendant from being found guilty. The reality is quite different. Explain what the role of an effective defense attorney is? Should a defense attorney be able to represent a suspect who they know is guilty? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The role of a defense attorney is...

Question 5

Bob Campbell has been charged with a series of bank robberies over the last year, stashing his ill-gotten gains in a neighboring state. He has been unemployed and feels as though he had no other recourse than to resort to theft. Mr. Campbell does not have a prior record. Because Mr. Campbell is too poor to pay for his own attorney, he is considered a(n):

Accepted Answer

Indigent refers to someone who is too poor to afford an attorney, which is the situation described for Mr. Campbell.

Question 6

Jay Boyce is a prosecuting attorney in a small rural area. The town has recently been the victim of a mass shooting that has received national media attention. Prior to this case, Jay had only prosecuted one murder. Mr. Boyce is currently gathering psychological testing for the defense. This process is known as:

Accepted Answer

Discovery is the pre-trial process in which each party can obtain evidence from the other party. In this context, Jay Boyce is gathering psychological testing for the defense, which is part of the discovery process where evidence is exchanged between the defense and prosecution.

Question 7

Sharon Allen is an attorney who is planning to run for a judgeship. She is planning her election strategy. She knows her competition is going to be fierce and is working with various individuals to make her first run a success. A screening committee will decide if Mrs. Allen is to be recom mended, and if so, she will be placed  on the bench by the governor and she will later go before the  voters for approval or disapproval, based on her  performance in office. ​  This method of selection is called:

Accepted Answer

This method of selection is called "merit" because it involves a screening committee evaluating the qualifications of the candidate before they are appointed by the governor. The subsequent approval or disapproval by voters based on performance also aligns with the merit-based selection process, emphasizing the candidate's qualifications and performance.

Question 8

Sharon Allen is an attorney who is planning to run for a judgeship. She is planning her election strategy. She knows her competition is going to be fierce and is working with various individuals to make her first run a success. Mrs. Allen is not allowed to run with a party affiliation, which concerns her with her vast Republican contacts. What type of election is she running in?

Accepted Answer

Nonpartisan elections are those in which candidates do not run with formal affiliation to any political party, which aligns with the scenario described for Mrs. Allen's judgeship run.

Question 9

Some say that prosecutors have more power than judges in the courtroom. Would you agree or disagree with this statement? Support your answer with specific references to the functions and duties of each.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some say that prosecutors have more power...

Question 10

If you or a family member has been charged with first degree murder and the death penalty is being sought, who would you choose to represent you? Do you feel that a private attorney would serve you better? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you or a family member has...

Question 11

Explain why political parties prefer judges stand for elections?  What methods of selecting judges have been developed to decrease the importance of political parties in the selection of judges?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why political parties prefer judges stand...

Question 12

Describe three different duties that judges perform .

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Describe in detail the functions of the American court system.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe in detail the functions of the...

Question 14

Identify and describe the roles of the prosecutor.

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Jay Boyce is a prosecuting attorney in a small rural area. The town has recently been the victim of a mass shooting that has received national media attention. Prior to this case, Jay had only prosecuted one murder. Mr. Boyce has been informed that many officers and clerks will not vote for him in the next election unless he seeks the death penalty. This would be considered:

Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of local legal culture, which refers to the practices, attitudes, and expectations that are common within a specific geographic or jurisdictional legal community, influencing how legal professionals approach their work.

Question 16

Why would someone choose to work in the public defender's office? Does this type of work draw a certain individual to work in such an office? What do you feel the turnover rate would be?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why would someone choose to work in...

Question 17

Describe the structure of the American court system.

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Jay Boyce is a prosecuting attorney in a small rural area. The town has recently been the victim of a mass shooting that has received national media attention. Prior to this case, Jay had only prosecuted one murder. As the lead prosecutor in this case, Mr. Boyce will need to do all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is C because a prosecuting attorney would not make a plea agreement with the victim. Plea agreements are made with the defendant, not the victim.

Question 19

Explain the role of indigent defense. How is a person declared indigent? What are the different types of indigent defense? What are the pros and cons of each type?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the role of indigent defense. How...

Question 20

Bob Campbell has been charged with a series of bank robberies over the last year, stashing his ill-gotten gains in a neighboring state. He has been unemployed and feels as though he had no other recourse than to resort to theft. Mr. Campbell does not have a prior record. Based upon the type of crime Mr. Campbell has committed, what court has jurisdiction over this case?

Accepted Answer

Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving crimes that cross state lines, such as when the proceeds of a crime committed in one state are stashed in another state.

Quiz 7: Courts and Adjudication