Question 1

In predicting future correctional trends, ________ focus primarily on external factors.

Accepted Answer

Environmental scans are a process of analyzing external factors that could impact the correctional system, such as changes in laws, demographics, and social attitudes. Internal audits, negative reviews, and psychics do not necessarily provide information on external factors relevant to correctional trends.

Question 2

The highest imprisonment and probation rates in the world are found in:

Accepted Answer

The United States has the highest imprisonment rate in the world, with 655 prisoners per 100,000 population. It also has a high probation rate, with approximately 4.5 million people on probation or parole.

Question 3

Between 2007 and 2017 prison populations in the U.S. decreased by:

Accepted Answer

Between 2007 and 2017, the prison population in the U.S. experienced a decrease, but it was relatively modest. The correct figure is a 13% decrease, reflecting various efforts at criminal justice reform, changes in sentencing laws, and shifts in policy at both the federal and state levels aimed at reducing incarceration rates.

Question 4

The notion that we should reduce our reliance on imprisonment and instead should address underlying social problems that contribute to crime has been called:

Accepted Answer

The concept of "justice reinvestment" focuses on redirecting funds from the prison system towards addressing underlying social problems such as poverty, mental illness, and drug addiction, with the aim of reducing crime rates and promoting public safety. This approach is based on the recognition that imprisonment alone cannot solve the complex social issues that contribute to crime, and that a more holistic approach is needed. The other options are related to different approaches to criminal justice, but do not specifically address the idea of reducing reliance on imprisonment and addressing underlying social problems.

Question 5

The idea of abolishing some or all prisons has been associated with the ________ approach.

Accepted Answer

The idea of abolishing some or all prisons is associated with the restorative justice approach, which emphasizes repairing harm caused by crime rather than punishing the offender.

Question 6

Samuel Walker has proposed the concept of the law of criminal justice thermodynamics in which:

Accepted Answer

According to Samuel Walker, the law of criminal justice thermodynamics states that as penalties become harsher, they are less likely to be applied. This is because harsher penalties may lead to more scrutiny and criticism from the public, as well as concerns about fairness and proportionality in the justice system. As a result, prosecutors and judges may be more hesitant to apply the harshest penalties available to them.

Question 7

Which of the following groups has been fighting to reduce the severity of correctional punishments?

Accepted Answer

Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) has been advocating for reducing the severity of correctional punishments and reforming mandatory minimum sentences. The American Bar Association has also advocated for criminal justice reform, but not specifically for reducing correctional punishments. Mothers Against Drunk Driving focuses on reducing drunk driving incidents and supporting victims, while the National District Attorneys Association represents the interests of prosecutors, who generally support harsher punishments.

Question 8

All of the following are external factors that affect correctional agencies and organizations except:

Accepted Answer

Economic downturns, changes in laws, and political changes are all external factors that can affect correctional agencies and organizations. However, the number of women hired as correctional officers is an internal factor that is determined by the agency or organization itself, and is not impacted by external forces.

Question 9

In 2018 Congress passed the ________ as a way to reduce harsh sanctions against some federal offenders.

Accepted Answer

The First Step Act was passed by Congress in 2018 with the goal of reducing harsh sentences and providing rehabilitation programs for federal offenders. It also includes reforms such as reducing the disparity in sentencing for crack and powder cocaine offenses and allowing prisoners to earn time credits for completing rehabilitation programs. The other choices are legislation from previous years that address different aspects of the criminal justice system.

Question 10

Which 2011 U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled that overcrowding in the California Department of Corrections constituted cruel and unusual punishment?

Accepted Answer

Brown v. Plata ruled that overcrowding in the California Department of Corrections constituted cruel and unusual punishment.

Question 11

Which of the following states has passed legislation to increase the maximum age of juvenile court jurisdiction to 20 by 2022?

Accepted Answer

Vermont has passed legislation to increase the maximum age of juvenile court jurisdiction to 20 by 2022.

Question 12

A good predictor of the number of admissions to correctional facilities is:

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that males between the ages of 15 and 24 are the most likely to be admitted to correctional facilities. Therefore, the number of males in this age range in the population is a good predictor of the number of admissions to correctional facilities.

Question 13

A study in 2008 found that in 12 states women comprise ______ or more of the correctional workforce.

Accepted Answer

In 2008, a study found that in 12 states, women made up 40% or more of the correctional workforce.

Question 14

According to the text, what characteristic was found most often (52%) in jail arrestees who had two or more arrests in the past 12 months?

Accepted Answer

The text states that "Of the jail arrestees who had two or more arrests in the past 12 months, more than half (52%) had a substance abuse disorder." None of the other characteristics listed were found to be the most common in this group.

Question 15

What do we call the group of people and agencies that have a vested interest in the way corrections operates in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The term "prison-industrial complex" refers to the network of for-profit companies, government agencies, and advocacy groups that have a financial stake in the continuation of mass incarceration and the operation of prisons in the United States. This includes private prison companies, correctional officer unions, and companies that provide goods and services to prisons such as food, healthcare, and technology. Additionally, there are also government agencies and lawmakers who benefit from the prison-industrial complex through job creation, funding, and political gain.

Question 16

For most of our nation's history the guiding principle of corrections has been punishment (retribution).

Accepted Answer

For most of our nation's history, the primary focus of the corrections system has been retribution or punishment as a means of justice. It is only in recent years that the focus has shifted towards rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

Question 17

Between 2007 and 2017 prison populations increased 13%.

Accepted Answer

Between 2007 and 2017, the overall prison population in the United States actually decreased, marking a shift in the trend of mass incarceration.

Question 18

Justice reinvestment is somewhat linked to the notion of rehabilitation.

Accepted Answer

Justice reinvestment aims to reduce the number of people in prison and redirect money from the criminal justice system towards community-based programs and services that address the root causes of crime, such as mental health and substance abuse treatment, job training, and education. This approach aligns with the principles of rehabilitation, as it seeks to help individuals re-enter society after a period of incarceration and reintegrate as productive members of their communities.

Question 19

The law of criminal justice thermodynamics says that building more prisons will decrease the crime rate.

Accepted Answer

The law of criminal justice thermodynamics is a fictitious law and does not actually exist. Building more prisons may actually have little impact on the crime rate and could be considered a reactive and temporary solution. Addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty and inequality, may have a more sustainable long-term impact on reducing crime.

Question 20

A roadmap for an agency's operation for the next five to ten years is called an operational perspective.

Accepted Answer

A roadmap for an agency's operation for the next five to ten years is typically referred to as a strategic plan or strategic roadmap, not an operational perspective. An operational perspective usually refers to the current operational activities and how they align with strategic goals, rather than a long-term plan.

Quiz 13: The Future of Corrections