Question 1

__________ ensures that the judge will rule according to the applicable rules and precedents without any external influence.

Accepted Answer

Judicial independence refers to the idea that judges are free from external influences such as pressure from the government or interest groups, and can make decisions solely based on the law and legal precedents. This ensures that judges can rule impartially and without fear of consequences, leading to fair and just outcomes. Judicial dispassion is a related concept that refers to judges making decisions based purely on rational analysis, without emotion or bias. Recusal is the process by which a judge removes themselves from a case in which they have a conflict of interest or potential bias, while embroilment refers to a situation where a judge becomes involved in a conflict or controversy that could affect their impartiality.

Question 2

The jury is the branch of the criminal justice system that deals with the adjudication and exoneration or punishment of criminal defendants.

Accepted Answer

The jury is a component of the court system, which is part of the judiciary branch of government, not a separate branch of the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system broadly includes law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

Question 3

Which of the following is not an ethical issue discussed in this chapter related to the role of the judge?

Accepted Answer

C

Question 4

The trier of fact determines the sentence.

Accepted Answer

The trier of fact, typically a jury or judge in a criminal case, determines the sentence within the parameters set by law.

Question 5

Judicial dispassion is a requirement of judicial independence.

Accepted Answer

Judicial dispassion refers to a judge's ability to remain impartial and objective in their decision-making, regardless of personal beliefs or emotions. It is a necessary component of judicial independence, as it ensures that judges are not swayed by external pressures or biases.

Question 6

Which of the following is true regarding the role of the judge?

Accepted Answer

All of the options are true regarding the role of the judge. The judge is responsible for presiding over trials and appeals as a legal arbiter, ensuring due process in criminal trials, and policing the courtroom and the courts for bad actors.

Question 7

Which of the following is considered a post-conviction issue with respect to judicial ethics?

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed are considered post-conviction issues with respect to judicial ethics. Not allowing evidentiary hearings may violate a defendant's due process rights. Failing to require the state to search for and produce evidence that could be favorable to the defendant may violate the prosecutor's duty to disclose exculpatory evidence under Brady v. Maryland. Denying a defendant forensic testing on DNA motions may implicate the defendant's right to access evidence for testing that could exonerate them.

Question 8

Embroilment occurs when the judge rules according to the applicable rules and precedents without any external influence.

Accepted Answer

Embroilment refers to the involvement in conflict or difficulties, not the process of a judge ruling according to rules and precedents.

Question 9

The __________ determines the legal guilt or innocence of a criminal defendant.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The __________ determines the legal guilt or...

Question 10

The court has an ethical obligation to report misconduct.

Accepted Answer

The court has a duty to uphold ethical standards and to report any misconduct that occurs within the legal system. This helps to maintain the integrity of the legal system and ensures that justice is served fairly and impartially. Failure to report misconduct can lead to further corruption and can undermine public trust in the court system. Therefore, it is important for the court to fulfill its ethical obligation and report any misconduct that it discovers.

Question 11

When there is a conflict of interest,the judge must recuse himself/herself.

Accepted Answer

It is a basic principle of justice that a judge must recuse themselves if they have a conflict of interest in a case. This ensures impartiality and fairness in the proceedings.

Question 12

Which of the following is not an ethical issue discussed in this chapter related to the improper influence over the jury?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is not an...

Question 13

Jurors tend to take more notes in the beginning and less over time as a trial progresses.

Accepted Answer

Research has found that jurors tend to take more notes early on in a trial, particularly during opening statements and witness testimony. As the trial progresses, jurors may become more familiar with the evidence and arguments and may rely less on note-taking.

Question 14

The judiciary is not above the law and must abide by their own set of ethical obligations or else risk sanction.

Accepted Answer

The judiciary, like any other branch of government, is subject to the law and ethical obligations. Engaging in unethical behavior can result in sanctions and consequences.

Question 15

Trial by jury is the constitutional right of U.S.citizens.

Accepted Answer

The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by an impartial jury.

Question 16

The judge dictates which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The judge has the authority to dictate all of the options listed, as well as many other aspects of the trial process. The judge sets the schedule for the court day, including when jurors must arrive, and can issue instructions about juror conduct, such as limiting contact with friends and family during the trial. Additionally, the judge can determine when the court will break for meals or restroom breaks.

Question 17

__________ occurs when a person or an agency has competing loyalties,or loyalties that are at odds,because of the need to satisfy multiple roles,duties,or obligations.

Accepted Answer

A conflict of interest occurs when a person or an agency has competing loyalties, or loyalties that are at odds, because of the need to satisfy multiple roles, duties, or obligations. Embroilment refers to getting involved in a conflict or difficult situation, while judicial bias refers to unfairness or favoritism by a judge or court system. Therefore, the best option is B - Conflict of interest.

Question 18

The integrity of the court,and its ability to serve the criminal justice system,rests almost entirely in the notion of __________.

Accepted Answer

Judicial independence refers to the ability of judges to make impartial decisions without interference or pressure from other branches of government or external influences. This concept is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the court and upholding the rule of law in the criminal justice system. Without judicial independence, the court's ability to serve justice would be compromised.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of improper judicial behavior?

Accepted Answer

All options listed are examples of improper judicial behavior. Sexting, cursing in open court, and asking victims for dates all violate ethical standards expected of judges.

Question 20

Any fact or finding gathered in relation to a legal proceeding is considered evidence until a judge says it is not.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately reflects the general principle of evidence in legal proceedings. Evidence is considered admissible until a judge rules that it is not admissible based on legal and ethical standards. However, the admissibility of evidence can depend on many factors, including the type of case, the specific evidence in question, and the rules of evidence applicable in the jurisdiction where the case is being heard.

Quiz 11: Judicial Ethics