Question 1

Slim gathers more than five people together for the purpose of attacking members of a legal demonstration sponsored by a group that Slim and his group hate. Slim is guilty of what crime?

Accepted Answer

Slim is guilty of rioting, as the act of gathering with the intent to attack others is considered rioting under the law. Unlawful assembly and illegal gathering may also apply, but rioting is the most specific and applicable charge in this scenario.

Question 2

Two men become involved in a verbal altercation in a restaurant, including offensive language coupled with shoving and threats of violence. What charges may be filed against the men?

Accepted Answer

The behavior described fits the criteria for disorderly conduct, which involves disturbing the peace, engaging in fighting or threatening behavior, or using offensive language in public.

Question 3

What is the term for any association or group of six or more persons that either requires, as a condition of membership, the commission of a crime of violence or, as part of its purpose or frequent activities, violates criminal laws?

Accepted Answer

The term for any association or group of six or more persons that either requires, as a condition of membership, the commission of a crime of violence or, as part of its purpose or frequent activities, violates criminal laws is a criminal street gang.

Question 4

Why did a federal judge strike down the Child Online Protection Act (COPA)?

Accepted Answer

The federal judge struck down the Child Online Protection Act (COPA) because it was deemed unconstitutionally vague.

Question 5

Steve is what the locals refer to as a street bum. He spends his days and evenings confronting patrons leaving stores and restaurants for the purpose of begging for food or money. What act is Steve committing?

Accepted Answer

Steve is engaging in panhandling, which is the act of begging for food or money in a public place. Loitering and homeless gathering are not accurate descriptions of Steve's behavior, and "bumming" is generally considered to be a derogatory term.

Question 6

Most major cities have ordinances against people moving about with no visible means of financial support. What is the name for this offense?

Accepted Answer

Vagrancy laws prohibit people from being in public places with no visible means of support, which is often interpreted as meaning they are homeless, jobless, and/or not dressed appropriately for their surroundings. While these laws have been challenged and modified over time, they are still in place in many cities and can result in fines or even imprisonment. A and B are not accurate terms for this offense.

Question 7

Jack is a participant in a protest. The protestors become violent and begin throwing rocks and Molotov Cocktails at the opposing group. Police close in on Jack to arrest him for his participation in the acts of violence. Jack fights the officers and makes every attempt to stop the attempt to place him under arrest. What crime may Jack be charged with in addition to his involvement in the riot?

Accepted Answer

Jack could be charged with resisting arrest for actively fighting and attempting to prevent the police from placing him under arrest. This would be a separate offense in addition to his involvement in the riot.

Question 8

Which of the following is one of the offenses that fall under the category of Public Order Crimes?

Accepted Answer

All of the offenses listed - riots, unlawful assembly, and certain gang activity - fall under the category of public order crimes. These crimes are considered offenses against society as a whole, rather than just against an individual victim. They generally involve behavior that is considered disruptive, disorderly, or threatening to public safety or tranquility.

Question 9

Jack and five other people gather to protest a military funeral in Texas. All members of the group may be charged with what crime?

Accepted Answer

The group is gathered in protest at a funeral, which can be interpreted as an act of unlawful assembly.

Question 10

What is often called the world's oldest profession and typically includes sex, drugs, and human trafficking?

Accepted Answer

Prostitution is often referred to as the world's oldest profession and often involves the use of drugs and human trafficking. It is important to note, however, that sex work should be decriminalized and sex workers' rights should be protected.

Question 11

What crime category do vagrancy and loitering fall into?

Accepted Answer

Vagrancy and loitering fall under the category of public order crimes, which are offenses that disrupt the peace and well-being of society. These crimes are typically nonviolent and involve behaviors such as disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, and panhandling. They are considered to be minor offenses, but can still result in fines, community service, or even jail time.

Question 12

Some states use an offense similar to disorderly conduct in which the offender commits an unlawful act that disturbs the peace or harmony of the neighborhood. What is the term for this offense?

Accepted Answer

Breach of peace is the term used for an offense similar to disorderly conduct in which the offender commits an unlawful act that disturbs the peace or harmony of the neighborhood. This can include actions such as making loud noises or engaging in fights in public places. It is a common offense in many states and can result in fines, community service, or even imprisonment depending on the severity of the offense. Interference of peace and violence of peace are not common terms used to describe this offense.

Question 13

Many cities have trouble with teenagers and drug users hanging out in the parking lot of schools, shopping centers, and other establishments. What law enables law enforcement to deal with this issue?

Accepted Answer

Loitering laws allow law enforcement to take action against individuals who remain in one place, without any apparent reason or purpose. This includes individuals who are hanging out in parking lots or other public areas without a legitimate reason, such as waiting for a ride or conducting business. Loitering laws can be an effective tool for addressing issues with teenage loitering and drug use in public areas.

Question 14

What type of pornography did the U.S. Supreme court unanimously declare was not protected by the First Amendment?

Accepted Answer

In the case of New York v. Ferber (1982), the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously declared that child pornography was not protected by the First Amendment, as it was deemed to be a form of child abuse and exploitation. However, the court has never made a similar ruling regarding bestiality or necrophilia.

Question 15

What is a form of obscenity that depicts sexual acts or behaviors intending to arouse sexual excitement?

Accepted Answer

Pornography is defined as a form of obscenity that depicts sexual acts or behaviors intended to arouse sexual excitement. Pedophilia and necrophilia are specific paraphilias or sexual preferences, but they do not necessarily involve the creation or consumption of pornography.

Question 16

Steve feels a strong urge to relieve himself while enjoying a drink at a local pub. He discovers the men's room is locked. He waits a few minutes and decides he can wait no longer. He steps out the front door and relieves himself in plain view of the public. What charges may be filed against Steve for urinating in the public?

Accepted Answer

Urinating in plain view of the public is considered disorderly conduct and can result in charges being filed against the individual. Option A is not a valid legal charge, and option C is not applicable to the situation. Option D is incorrect as charges may be filed.

Question 17

What mens rea is required to convict a suspect of the crime of prostitution?

Accepted Answer

To convict a suspect of the crime of prostitution, the mens rea required is knowingly. This means that the suspect must have had knowledge and intent that they were engaging in prostitution.

Question 18

What is the term for state laws making it a criminal offense for gang members to frequent particular locations, such as playgrounds, shopping malls, movie theaters, and schools?

Accepted Answer

The term for state laws making it a criminal offense for gang members to frequent particular locations is "gang-free zones". Option A (gang operation zones) and option B (group gathering zones) are not commonly used terms in reference to such laws. Option D (none of the above) is incorrect as "gang-free zones" is the term commonly used for such laws.

Question 19

What term do some state use to define action taken when an unlawful assembled group takes a significant step toward rioting?

Accepted Answer

The term used by some states when an unlawful assembled group takes a significant step toward rioting is "rout." This term refers to the dispersal of a riotous or unlawful assembly by force.

Question 20

What is a group of three or more people involved in a public disturbance of the peace?

Accepted Answer

A group of three or more people involved in a public disturbance of the peace is called a riot. Rioting is a criminal offense and a serious breach of public order.

Quiz 12: Public Order, Morality, and Vice Crimes