Question 1

Which type of court system is generally more child friendly?

Accepted Answer

Inquisitorial systems are generally more child-friendly because they are less confrontational than adversarial or accusatorial systems. In an inquisitorial system, the judge plays an active role in investigating the case, which can create a less intimidating environment for children.

Question 2

According to Saywitz et al. (1990), which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Developmental improvements were seen only for terms of moderate difficulty.

Question 3

If a 14 year old is caught stealing, they are guilty of

Accepted Answer

Stealing, regardless of the perpetrator's age, is considered a criminal act. When a minor, such as a 14-year-old, commits such an act, it is classified as juvenile delinquency. This term specifically refers to criminal behavior committed by individuals who are not yet of legal adulthood.

Question 4

If a 16 year is caught attempting to buy alcohol, they are guilty of

Accepted Answer

A status offense is an action that is prohibited only to a certain class of people, and in many jurisdictions, minors attempting to purchase alcohol falls under this category, as it is an act that is illegal due to the individual's status as a minor.

Question 5

The purpose of cases is to determine whether a child's needs are met by their current guardians.

Accepted Answer

Dependency cases are specifically designed to assess and ensure the safety, well-being, and needs of children, particularly when there are concerns about their care under current guardianship.

Question 6

American law employs three standards of proof. Which one is used in dependency hearings in juvenile court?

Accepted Answer

In dependency hearings in juvenile court, the standard of proof required is "clear and convincing." This standard is higher than the "preponderance of evidence" used in civil cases but lower than "beyond a reasonable doubt" used in criminal cases. It is employed to determine whether it is highly probable that the child is in need of protection or services.

Question 7

In juvenile court, the hearing is when the court decides if there is enough evidence to detain a child pending a full, 30 day, investigation.

Accepted Answer

The correct term is "72 hour" hearing, which refers to a preliminary hearing in juvenile court to decide if there is sufficient evidence to detain a child pending further investigation.

Question 8

What happens at the dispositional hearing?

Accepted Answer

At the dispositional hearing, the court decides what is to be done with the child, focusing on the child's future and well-being, including placements and services needed.

Question 9

Which of the following type of case would not be heard in juvenile court?

Accepted Answer

Juvenile courts typically handle cases involving status offenses, juvenile delinquency, and dependency. Class action cases, which involve a group of people suing as a collective, are not heard in juvenile court.

Question 10

Which of the following types of cases is Juvenile Court NOT responsible for hearing?

Accepted Answer

Juvenile Court typically handles cases involving abused, neglected, or delinquent children, but child custody following a divorce is usually handled by family or domestic relations courts.

Question 11

When researchers interviewed maltreated children who had attended their own hearings, they found that did not know the outcomes of the hearing they attended.

Accepted Answer

54% of maltreated children who had attended their own hearings did not know the outcomes of the hearing they attended.

Question 12

When researchers interviewed maltreated children who had attended their own hearings, they found that did not feel they had been listened to or believed.

Accepted Answer

37% of maltreated children who had attended their own hearings felt they had not been listened to or believed.

Question 13

Which is not true of families who went through the Family Drug Treatment Courts as compared to those who used the traditional child welfare system?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which is not true of families who...

Question 14

In Domestic Relations Court parents are thought to be:

Accepted Answer

In Domestic Relations Court, parents are generally presumed to be fit and proper adults capable of making decisions regarding their children, unless proven otherwise. This presumption underlies the court's approach to matters involving custody and care of children.

Question 15

If I fail to follow an order of the Domestic Relations Court, I am

Accepted Answer

Failing to follow an order of the Domestic Relations Court typically results in being held in civil contempt, which is a legal finding that someone has disobeyed a court order.

Question 16

What standard of proof is used in criminal court?

Accepted Answer

In criminal court, the standard of proof required to convict a defendant is "beyond a reasonable doubt." This is the highest standard of proof, reflecting the serious consequences of a criminal conviction.

Question 17

In criminal court, the defendant first enters a formal plea at the:

Accepted Answer

The defendant enters a formal plea during the arraignment, which is a court proceeding where the charges are read to the defendant, and they are asked to enter a plea.

Question 18

The defendant has the most rights in the court.

Accepted Answer

In criminal court, the defendant is afforded the most rights, including the right to an attorney, the right to a speedy and public trial, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to confront witnesses against them. These rights are designed to protect individuals from the power of the government in criminal prosecutions.

Question 19

If you hear a case that is referred to as "The State of SC versus Smith," you would know this case was being heard in which court?

Accepted Answer

The use of "The State of SC versus Smith" indicates that this is a criminal case. In such cases, the state (or government) is the plaintiff prosecuting an individual (in this case, Smith) for violating criminal laws.

Question 20

According to Cross et al. (2003), out of 100 child abuse claims, alleged perpetrators would likely be incarcerated.

Accepted Answer

According to Cross et al. (2003), out of 100 child abuse claims, 26 alleged perpetrators would likely be incarcerated.

Quiz 12: The Legal System and Child Maltreatment