CRJ 104 Final Exam Questions with Correct Answers Latest Update 2025/2026
Civil vs. Criminal Courts - Answers Civil courts handle disputes between individuals or
organizations; criminal courts deal with violations of criminal law.
Jurisdiction - Answers Authority of a court to hear a case. Types: limited, general, original,
appellate.
Federal Court System - Answers Includes district courts, courts of appeals, and the U.S.
Supreme Court.
Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt - Answers Standard of proof in criminal cases; requires near
certainty of guilt.
Preponderance of Evidence - Answers Standard of proof in civil cases; requires evidence shows
something is more likely than not.
U.S. Supreme Court - Answers 9 justices; Chief Justice presides; Rule of Four determines
certiorari; writ of certiorari orders review of lower court decision.
Booking Process - Answers Includes recording personal information, fingerprints, photographs,
and charges.
Court Process - Answers Steps: Arrest, Booking, First Appearance, Preliminary Hearing/Grand
Jury, Arraignment, Pre-Trial Motions, Trial, Verdict.
Bail and ROR - Answers Bail: money to ensure return; ROR: release on own recognizance.
Grand Jury vs. Preliminary Hearing - Answers Grand Jury: secret, prosecutor only; Preliminary
Hearing: public, judge present.
Plea Bargain - Answers Agreement where defendant pleads guilty for a lesser sentence.
Voir Dire - Answers Jury selection process to determine impartiality.
Burden of Proof - Answers Prosecutor must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt; defense
challenges evidence.
Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 - Answers Established federal sentencing guidelines.
Three-Strikes Law - Answers Mandatory life sentence after three serious offenses.
Indeterminate Sentencing - Answers Range of years; parole board decides release.
Determinate Sentencing - Answers Fixed term with no parole discretion.
Aggravating vs. Mitigating Circumstances - Answers Aggravating: increase severity; Mitigating:
reduce severity.
Civil vs. Criminal Courts - Answers Civil courts handle disputes between individuals or
organizations; criminal courts deal with violations of criminal law.
Jurisdiction - Answers Authority of a court to hear a case. Types: limited, general, original,
appellate.
Federal Court System - Answers Includes district courts, courts of appeals, and the U.S.
Supreme Court.
Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt - Answers Standard of proof in criminal cases; requires near
certainty of guilt.
Preponderance of Evidence - Answers Standard of proof in civil cases; requires evidence shows
something is more likely than not.
U.S. Supreme Court - Answers 9 justices; Chief Justice presides; Rule of Four determines
certiorari; writ of certiorari orders review of lower court decision.
Booking Process - Answers Includes recording personal information, fingerprints, photographs,
and charges.
Court Process - Answers Steps: Arrest, Booking, First Appearance, Preliminary Hearing/Grand
Jury, Arraignment, Pre-Trial Motions, Trial, Verdict.
Bail and ROR - Answers Bail: money to ensure return; ROR: release on own recognizance.
Grand Jury vs. Preliminary Hearing - Answers Grand Jury: secret, prosecutor only; Preliminary
Hearing: public, judge present.
Plea Bargain - Answers Agreement where defendant pleads guilty for a lesser sentence.
Voir Dire - Answers Jury selection process to determine impartiality.
Burden of Proof - Answers Prosecutor must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt; defense
challenges evidence.
Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 - Answers Established federal sentencing guidelines.
Three-Strikes Law - Answers Mandatory life sentence after three serious offenses.
Indeterminate Sentencing - Answers Range of years; parole board decides release.
Determinate Sentencing - Answers Fixed term with no parole discretion.
Aggravating vs. Mitigating Circumstances - Answers Aggravating: increase severity; Mitigating:
reduce severity.
