CJ 1001 EXAM ONE STUDY GUIDE
CORRECT 100%
Discretion - ANSWER"A public officer has discretion whenever the effective limits on
his power leave him free to make a choice among possible courses of action or
inaction"
Conflict Model - ANSWER-Society is diverse and constantly engaged in power
struggle
- Dominant groups codify their values into law
Federalism - ANSWER-Sharing of government powers by federal and state
authorities
Levels of government/CJ system - ANSWER-Government (Federal, State, and
Local)
-CJ System (Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections)
Court System - ANSWERDual System
Why is Discretion Necessary? - ANSWER-Not all laws are good
-Full enforcement would be intolerable (system/social constraints)
-Human interactions are too complex (law cannot cover all situations)
Sources of Discretion - ANSWER-Nature of Criminal Law (can be vague)
- Conflicting public expectations (not in line with social norms)
- Social and Medical Issues (decriminalization of "problem people"
-CJ Work Environments (low visibility/review-ability)
-Limited Resources
Problems with Discretion - ANSWER-Lack of control over it
-Contributes to corruption
-Allows discrimination (good and bad)
-Can lead to civil liability
-Can detract from community relations
Legal Factors - ANSWER-Seriousness of offense
CORRECT 100%
Discretion - ANSWER"A public officer has discretion whenever the effective limits on
his power leave him free to make a choice among possible courses of action or
inaction"
Conflict Model - ANSWER-Society is diverse and constantly engaged in power
struggle
- Dominant groups codify their values into law
Federalism - ANSWER-Sharing of government powers by federal and state
authorities
Levels of government/CJ system - ANSWER-Government (Federal, State, and
Local)
-CJ System (Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections)
Court System - ANSWERDual System
Why is Discretion Necessary? - ANSWER-Not all laws are good
-Full enforcement would be intolerable (system/social constraints)
-Human interactions are too complex (law cannot cover all situations)
Sources of Discretion - ANSWER-Nature of Criminal Law (can be vague)
- Conflicting public expectations (not in line with social norms)
- Social and Medical Issues (decriminalization of "problem people"
-CJ Work Environments (low visibility/review-ability)
-Limited Resources
Problems with Discretion - ANSWER-Lack of control over it
-Contributes to corruption
-Allows discrimination (good and bad)
-Can lead to civil liability
-Can detract from community relations
Legal Factors - ANSWER-Seriousness of offense
