CRIJ 1301 Introduction to Criminal Justice Assignment 1 Foundations of the Criminal Justice System Total Points: 50 Assigned Reading: Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction (13th ed.), Frank Schmalleger, Chapters 1 to 4 Assignment

CRIJ 1301 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Assignment 1 Foundations of the Criminal Justice System

Total Points: 50

Assigned Reading: Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction (13th ed.), Frank Schmalleger, Chapters 1 to 4

Assignment Overview

This assignment is designed to assess your understanding of the fundamental structure, concepts, and functions of the American criminal justice system. You will demonstrate your ability to define key terms, explain core theories, analyze criminal behavior, and connect legal principles to real world examples.  Many questions contain multiple parts. You must address every part of each question to earn full credit. When a question asks you to explain, describe, or why, your response must be written in complete, grammatically correct sentences and show clear understanding of the material.

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Learning Objectives

•        Explain the structure, functions, and key components of the American criminal justice system.

•        Apply criminal justice theories, legal concepts, and classifications of crime to real world examples.

•        Demonstrate critical thinking by explaining why laws, policies, and criminal justice practices exist and how they impact society.

Questions

1.      Core Functions of the Criminal Justice System (2 points)  

 

Identify and briefly explain the primary function of each of the three major components of the criminal justice system:

 

2.      The Consensus Model of Criminal Justice (2 points)  

 

From a criminal justice perspective, define the consensus model. Explain the key assumption this model makes about laws and societal values.

3.      Social Disorganization Theory (2 points)  

 

Define social disorganization as it relates to criminal justice. Then explain how social disorganization can contribute to increased levels of criminal activity within a community.

4.      Categories of Law (5 points)  

 

Scholars distinguish several categories of law within the legal system. Define six types of law and provide one example of each.

 

 

5.      The Essence of Criminal Conduct (2 points)  

 

Modern criminal justice theorists identify three essential elements that must be present for behavior to be considered criminal. List and fully define each of the three elements of criminal conduct.

6.      Statutory Elements of a Crime (2 points)  

Define statutory elements of a crime. Explain what the prosecution must prove in order for a defendant to be lawfully convicted.

 

 

7.      Purposes of Policing in a Democratic Society (3 points)  

 

Because police authority comes from the consent of the public, policing serves specific democratic purposes. Identify and explain the five basic purposes of policing in a democratic society.

8.      Roles Within Police Organizations (1 points)  

Most American police departments are formally structured by role and authority. Explain the two major role categories found in most police departments and describe the primary responsibilities of each.

9.      Police Discretion (3 points)  

 

Define police discretion. Then identify and explain eight factors that research shows influence discretionary decision making by individual officers.

10.  Cultural Competence in Policing (5 points)   

 

According to Schmalleger, explain why it is essential for law enforcement officers to demonstrate a high level of cultural competence. Include how cultural competence impacts police community relations.

11.  Violent Crime vs. Property Crime (1 points)  

 

Explain the difference between violent crime and property crime. Provide at least two examples of crimes that fall under each category.

12.  Simple Assault vs. Aggravated Assault (1 points) 

 

Historically, assault was defined only as an attempt to cause injury. In modern criminal law, that definition has expanded. Explain the difference between simple assault and aggravated assault, including the factors that elevate an assault to an aggravated offense.

13.  Victim Offender Relationships in Murder Cases (5 points)  

 

Although many murders occur during the commission of another crime, the relationship between the victim and the offender remains significant.  

 

Identify the approximate percentage of murders committed by strangers versus acquaintances.  

Explain why murders are more likely to occur between individuals who know each other.

14.  Elderly Victims and Fraud (4 points)  

 

While older adults appear less frequently in general crime statistics, they are disproportionately targeted for fraud.  Identify three types of fraud commonly committed against elderly victims.

Explain why elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to these offenses.

15.  White Collar Crime and Bernard Madoff (3 points)  

White collar crime is often committed by individuals in positions of trust and authority. Explain what Bernard Bernie Madoff was convicted of, the length of his sentence, and why his case was historically significant in the early 2000s.

 

 

16.  Firearms Law and Domestic Violence (4 points)  

 

As gun related crime increased, federal firearm regulations expanded. Describe the 1996 Domestic Violence Offenders Gun Ban, including what the law prohibits and why the law became controversial.

17.  Forms of Terrorism (1 points)  

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, terrorism became a central focus of the American criminal justice system. Identify and fully describe the two major forms of terrorism recognized by criminal justice scholars.

18.  Criminal Defenses (4 points)  

A defense is a legal reason why a defendant should not be held criminally responsible. Identify and define the four broad categories of criminal defenses and provide one example of each.

Bonus Questions: 

The following two questions are optional and are not required to complete Assignment 1. Each bonus question is worth up to 5 additional points and is intended to allow students the opportunity to earn extra credit by demonstrating deeper understanding and critical thinking. Failure to answer these questions will not negatively impact your assignment grade.

A.      FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (+5 Points)  

Describe the historical development of the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, and list the crimes on which it reports.  How is the ongoing implementation of the National Incident-Based Reporting System changing the UCR Program?  How do data reported under the new UCR/NIBRS differ from the crime statistics reported under the traditional UCR Program?

B.      Individual-Rights Perspective and Public-Order Perspective (+5 Points)  

What is the overall theme of the assigned text book, Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction (13th ed.), Frank Schmalleger?  According to that theme, what are the differences between the individual-rights perspective and the public-order perspective?