Exam 4: Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law

Indigent defendants are those who pay for their own attorney.

Mike was sitting in his home watching a late-night baseball game when he heard what sounded like someone trying to break into his home.  He immediately went to his closet and retrieved his 9mm.  Within seconds, two men broke through the door armed with their own guns.  Mike quickly shot both men and immediately called law enforcement.  When first responders arrived on the scene, both men were pronounced dead. Mike was in shock that he actually was responsible for the death of two men.  Within 6 months, Mike was informed that he was being sued by one of the deceased intruder's family members for wrongful death.  Mike wondered if his rights would be validated. Mike will not be charged with this crime because he most likely used the justification defense of

Which of the following is not a principal principle of guilt necessary for the conviction of a defendant?

Which of the following indicates that for a crime to occur there must be an act of commission or omission by the accused?

One morning, Rashaad arrives at work feeling under the weather.  By lunch time, he decides to take sick leave and go home.  Upon arrival at his house, he sees his best friend's car in the driveway.  Rashaad becomes concerned that something may be wrong with his wife.  As he opens the door to his bedroom, he sees his wife and best friend in a compromising position.  In shock, Rashaad grabs his gun, and shoots and kills his wife and friend. Rashaad's intent was to kill his wife and friend.  It could be said he had a guilty state of mind, which would be his

A major exception to the mens rea principle is called

The insanity defense is used in most cases in the American criminal justice system.

____________________ refers to a guilty state of mind.

According to the Sixth Amendment, a jury must be

The ____ Amendment, which deals with due process and equal protection, is not a part of the Bill of Rights.

Offenders who do not have mens rea and have not committed a strict liability offense should not be found guilty.

The act of committing a crime is referred to as ____________________.

In the United States, the distinction between criminal and civil law is minimal.

Explain the concept of double jeopardy and its significance to the criminal justice system.

Laws and rules made by federal, state, and local agencies are called

The Bill of Rights has been completely incorporated and applied to the states.

The courts have generally upheld the view that ignorance of the law is not an excuse for committing an illegal act, but if an accused person has made a(n)_________, that may serve as a defense.

The underlying source of American law is the common law of England.

John Roberts is the current _____ _____ of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Explain why mens rea is so important to finding a person guilty of a crime.