Question 1

What systemic factor adversely impacts visible minorities in the bail process?

Accepted Answer

B

Question 2

If a judge gives a 'White' male a fine for possessing a small amount of marijuana but later sentences a 'Black' male to one month in jail for the same offence, this is known as

Accepted Answer

E

Question 3

Which of the following strategies might be able to address issues of racism in the criminal justice system?

Accepted Answer

Enforcing existing anti-racism policies can help address systemic racism by ensuring that discriminatory practices are identified and corrected.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is a VALID critique of the jury selection process in Canada when it comes to the issue of lack of representation among racialized groups?

Accepted Answer

The use of voters' lists to compose the jury pool is ineffective because these lists can quickly become outdated, leading to a lack of representation among racialized groups who may not be accurately reflected on these lists.

Question 5

In terms of sentencing outcomes in the court system, which charges tend to produce the largest racial disparities?

Accepted Answer

Drug-related crimes often show significant racial disparities in sentencing, with minority groups, particularly African Americans, receiving harsher sentences compared to their white counterparts for similar offenses.

Question 6

Critical legal theory suggests that a link needs to be established between:

Accepted Answer

Critical legal theory suggests that a link needs to be established between law and culture because it recognizes that law is not neutral and objective, but rather is shaped by the social and cultural context in which it is created and applied.

Question 7

When it comes to perceptions of justice in Canada, studies have consistently found that

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that Black Canadians often experience and perceive racial bias and discrimination within the criminal justice system, leading to distrust and hostility.

Question 8

It has been said that many Crown and defence counsel harbour racially biased attitudes. One of the ways these attitudes are expressed in the courtroom includes:

Accepted Answer

Counsel's submissions to the courts can reflect racially biased attitudes through the language used, the arguments made, and the way evidence is presented or interpreted.

Question 9

In the case known as R.D.S. where a black youth was charged with assaulting a white police officer, the first Black woman judge to be appointed to the bench in Nova Scotia found that reasonable doubt existed and acquitted the black youth of all charges. However, the Crown in that case appealed the decision to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. What was the basis of their appeal?

Accepted Answer

The Crown appealed the decision on the basis of alleged judicial bias, arguing that the judge's comments during the trial indicated a bias in favor of the black youth.

Question 10

It has been stated that victims of racially-motivated crimes are often dissuaded by their own defence counsel from raising questions of racism because they are

Accepted Answer

Victims are often advised by their defense counsel that raising issues of racism might complicate their case or worsen their situation.

Question 11

One of the most frequent complaints levied against both Crown and defence counsel is that the often advise racial minorities to plead guilty because "no one will believe your story". What is another reason that counsel have cited to encourage a guilty plea?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging a guilty plea can help expedite the case, reducing the time and resources spent on a trial.

Question 12

A number of guidelines have been created that provides standards for the behaviour of federally appointed judges, such as judges should keep their political opinions to themselves and to avoid making sexist and racist comments. However, a vocal minority of judges were opposed to such behavioural guidelines, arguing they would

Accepted Answer

Some judges argue that behavioural guidelines could interfere with judicial independence, as they may feel constrained in their ability to express themselves freely and make decisions without external influence.

Question 13

Which of the following is used to compose a jury in the province of Ontario?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario, the jury roll is typically composed using voters' lists, which contain the names and addresses of eligible citizens.

Question 14

In order to be a potential juror, you must

Accepted Answer

To be a potential juror in Canada, one must be a Canadian citizen. Other options like having a driver's license, criminal convictions, expressing interest, or earning a certain amount are not standard requirements for jury duty eligibility.

Question 15

A challenge for cause on racism

Accepted Answer

A challenge for cause on racism allows Crown and defence counsel to question potential jurors to ensure they do not hold biases or prejudices that could affect their impartiality in the trial.

Question 16

What case was before the Ontario Court of Appeal when it was affirmed that the challenge of racism for Black defendants was legitimate because of the prevalence of racism in the system?

Accepted Answer

Regina v. Parks was a landmark case in which the Ontario Court of Appeal recognized the legitimacy of challenging the jury selection process on the grounds of systemic racism, particularly for Black defendants.

Question 17

A study conducted in 1996 by Henry et al., looking at racial attitudes about race and crime in Toronto and Durham region found that nearly two-thirds of respondents believed a link existed between

Accepted Answer

The study by Henry et al. in 1996 found that nearly two-thirds of respondents believed there was a link between an individual's race and their propensity toward criminal activity.

Question 18

The case study exposing how racial bias can manifest in administrative tribunals clearly demonstrated

Accepted Answer

The answer of The case study exposing how racial bias...

Question 19

Which Canadian newspaper's investigative series revealed the extent of racial profiling by the Toronto police force in the fall of 2003?

Accepted Answer

The Toronto Star conducted an investigative series in 2002-2003 that revealed the extent of racial profiling by the Toronto police force, bringing significant attention to the issue.

Question 20

Which of the following discourse BEST describes how Canadian court officials have dealt with allegations of racism in the justice system?

Accepted Answer

Canadian court officials have often been criticized for a discourse of denial, where they acknowledge the existence of racism but deny its impact or prevalence within the justice system.

Quiz 5: Racism and the Justice System