SCCJA Block 1 Test | |A+ GRADED WITH 100 % CORRETC ANSWERS

SCCJA Block 1 Test | |A+ GRADED WITH 100 %
CORRETC ANSWERS




SCCJA BLOCK 1 TEST

PRACTICE EXAM – MOST TESTED & TOUGHEST QUESTIONS (1–10)

Focus Areas Covered

• U.S. Constitution & Amendments

• SC Criminal Law Basics

• Arrest, Search & Seizure

• Use of Force (Legal Standard)

• Criminal Procedure

• Officer Authority & Liability



QUESTION 1 — Fourth Amendment (VERY TESTED)

An officer stops a vehicle for speeding. Without consent, the officer opens the trunk and searches it,
finding stolen property. No probable cause existed prior to the search.

Which constitutional principle was violated?

A. Fifth Amendment – Self-incrimination
B. Sixth Amendment – Right to counsel
C. Fourth Amendment – Unreasonable search and seizure
D. Fourteenth Amendment – Equal protection

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches.
A vehicle search requires probable cause or consent.

,QUESTION 2 — Probable Cause vs Reasonable Suspicion (EXAM FAVORITE)

Which statement BEST defines probable cause?

A. A vague suspicion based on officer experience
B. Facts sufficient to believe a crime MAY occur
C. Facts sufficient to believe a crime HAS occurred or IS occurring
D. A hunch supported by intuition

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

• Reasonable suspicion → may occur

• Probable cause → has occurred / is occurring



QUESTION 3 — Terry Stop (HIGH-YIELD)

An officer observes a subject pacing outside a closed business late at night, repeatedly looking into
windows. The officer conducts a brief stop and frisk.

What legal standard JUSTIFIES this action?

A. Probable cause
B. Consent
C. Reasonable suspicion
D. Search incident to arrest

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
A Terry stop requires reasonable suspicion, not probable cause.



QUESTION 4 — Use of Force (ULTRA-TESTED)

Which statement BEST reflects the constitutional standard for use of force?

A. Force must be equal to the suspect’s force
B. Force must be the least force possible
C. Force must be objectively reasonable under the circumstances
D. Deadly force is allowed if a suspect resists

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Use of force is judged by objective reasonableness (Graham v. Connor).

, QUESTION 5 — Deadly Force (VERY IMPORTANT)

Deadly force is constitutionally justified when:

A. A suspect is fleeing from a felony
B. A suspect verbally threatens an officer
C. There is an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury
D. The suspect refuses to comply

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Deadly force requires an immediate threat — not mere flight or resistance.



QUESTION 6 — Arrest Authority (COMMON FAIL POINT)

An officer may make a warrantless arrest when:

A. A misdemeanor occurred outside the officer’s presence
B. A felony was committed and probable cause exists
C. A citizen demands an arrest
D. The officer believes arrest would be helpful

✅ Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Felony + probable cause allows warrantless arrest.



QUESTION 7 — Miranda Warning (VERY TESTED)

Miranda warnings are required when:

A. A person is detained
B. A person is questioned in public
C. A person is in custody and subject to interrogation
D. Anytime an officer speaks to a suspect

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Miranda applies ONLY when custody + interrogation are both present.



QUESTION 8 — Exclusionary Rule (KEY CONCEPT)

Evidence obtained in violation of the Constitution is: