CRMJ300 Criminal Justice Practice Exam Questions and Answers
Sample Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the primary purpose of the police in the criminal justice system?
A) To conduct investigations
B) To maintain public order and safety
C) To prosecute criminals
D) To sentence offenders
Answer: B) To maintain public order and safety
Explanation: The primary role of the police is to maintain public order, enforce laws, prevent crime, and ensure safety in the community.
Which of the following is NOT a goal of the criminal justice system?
A) Punishment
B) Rehabilitation
C) Deterrence
D) Retaliation
Answer: D) Retaliation
Explanation: The criminal justice system focuses on goals such as punishment, rehabilitation, and deterrence, but not retaliation, which is a personal form of vengeance.
What is the purpose of the Miranda warning?
A) To inform the suspect of their constitutional rights
B) To inform the suspect of the specific charges against them
C) To provide legal counsel to the suspect
D) To confirm that the suspect is guilty
Answer: A) To inform the suspect of their constitutional rights
Explanation: The Miranda warning is intended to inform a person in custody of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Which amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals against self-incrimination?
A) First Amendment
B) Fifth Amendment
C) Sixth Amendment
D) Eighth Amendment
Answer: B) Fifth Amendment
Explanation: The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination, meaning they cannot be forced to testify against themselves in a criminal case.
Which of the following is a characteristic of juvenile justice systems?
A) Emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment
B) Adult sentences for juveniles convicted of serious crimes
C) Public trials
D) Life sentences without parole for minors
Answer: A) Emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment
Explanation: Juvenile justice systems typically focus on rehabilitating minors instead of punishing them in the same way as adults.
Which of the following is the role of the prosecutor in the criminal justice system?
A) To investigate crimes
B) To defend the accused
C) To represent the government in criminal cases
D) To sentence offenders
Answer: C) To represent the government in criminal cases
Explanation: Prosecutors are responsible for bringing charges against the accused and representing the government in criminal proceedings.
What does “due process” refer to in the context of criminal justice?
A) The right to a fair trial and legal procedures
B) The right to remain silent
C) The right to an attorney
D) The right to a speedy trial
Answer: A) The right to a fair trial and legal procedures
Explanation: Due process ensures that all legal procedures are followed and that individuals receive fair treatment under the law.
Which system is used to determine a defendant’s guilt or innocence?
A) Grand jury system
B) Court system
C) Correctional system
D) Juvenile system
Answer: B) Court system
Explanation: The court system is responsible for determining whether a defendant is guilty or innocent of the charges brought against them.
Which of the following is a key principle of community policing?
A) Punitive measures for criminal behavior
B) Collaborative partnerships between the police and community members
C) Militarization of law enforcement
D) A focus on strict law enforcement tactics
Answer: B) Collaborative partnerships between the police and community members
Explanation: Community policing emphasizes building relationships between law enforcement and the community to prevent and address crime.
Which of the following is the primary responsibility of correctional officers?
A) To manage criminal investigations
B) To prosecute offenders
C) To supervise individuals in jails and prisons
D) To provide legal representation for offenders
Answer: C) To supervise individuals in jails and prisons
Explanation: Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals incarcerated in jails or prisons and ensuring security within those facilities.
The “Exclusionary Rule” prevents the use of evidence obtained in violation of which constitutional amendment?
A) Fourth Amendment
B) Fifth Amendment
C) Sixth Amendment
D) Eighth Amendment
Answer: A) Fourth Amendment
Explanation: The Exclusionary Rule prevents the use of evidence obtained through illegal searches or seizures, which violates the Fourth Amendment.
What does a “probable cause” standard require in the context of police searches?
A) Evidence that a crime has been committed
B) The officer’s belief that a crime may be committed in the future
C) Reasonable grounds to believe that evidence of a crime exists
D) A warrant from a judge
Answer: C) Reasonable grounds to believe that evidence of a crime exists
Explanation: Probable cause is the legal standard that requires police to have reasonable grounds to believe that evidence of a crime is present before conducting a search.
Which of the following is NOT a function of the courts?
A) Determining guilt or innocence
B) Imposing sentences
C) Conducting investigations
D) Interpreting the law
Answer: C) Conducting investigations
Explanation: Courts are not responsible for conducting investigations; that is the role of law enforcement agencies.
What does the term “recidivism” refer to in criminal justice?
A) The rehabilitation of offenders
B) The process of sentencing criminals
C) The tendency of offenders to reoffend after serving a sentence
D) The legal process of defending a defendant in court
Answer: C) The tendency of offenders to reoffend after serving a sentence
Explanation: Recidivism refers to the tendency of previously convicted criminals to reoffend and return to the criminal justice system.
Which of the following is true about “plea bargaining”?
A) It is prohibited in the criminal justice system
B) It is a process where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence
C) It only occurs in juvenile cases
D) It is used to expedite the trial process
Answer: B) It is a process where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence
Explanation: Plea bargaining allows defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for reduced penalties or sentences, and is a common practice in the criminal justice system.
Which of the following is a sentencing option that involves releasing an offender under supervision instead of incarceration?
A) Probation
B) Parole
C) Incarceration
D) Capital punishment
Answer: A) Probation
Explanation: Probation allows offenders to serve their sentence outside of jail or prison, under supervision, as long as they comply with specific conditions set by the court.
Which term refers to a law enforcement officer’s ability to use reasonable force when necessary to make an arrest?
A) Excessive force
B) Lawful use of force
C) Community policing
D) Discretionary power
Answer: B) Lawful use of force
Explanation: Law enforcement officers are permitted to use reasonable force to make an arrest, ensuring the situation is controlled without unnecessary harm.
Which of the following is the primary responsibility of correctional rehabilitation programs?
A) Punish offenders severely
B) Prevent future crimes by reforming offenders
C) Ensure offenders serve the maximum possible sentence
D) Prepare offenders for return to the workforce
Answer: B) Prevent future crimes by reforming offenders
Explanation: Rehabilitation programs aim to reduce recidivism by addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior and providing offenders with the tools to reintegrate into society.
Which of the following is a key difference between criminal and civil law?
A) Criminal law deals with crimes, while civil law involves disputes between individuals or organizations
B) Criminal law involves fines, while civil law involves jail time
C) Civil law is handled by police officers, while criminal law is handled by judges
D) There is no difference between criminal and civil law
Answer: A) Criminal law deals with crimes, while civil law involves disputes between individuals or organizations
Explanation: Criminal law involves prosecution by the government of individuals accused of committing crimes, while civil law typically involves legal disputes between private parties.
Which type of law addresses the rules and procedures for criminal trials?
A) Substantive law
B) Procedural law
C) Administrative law
D) Constitutional law
Answer: B) Procedural law
Explanation: Procedural law governs the methods and processes used in the criminal justice system, including the rules for conducting trials.
What is the primary purpose of the grand jury in the criminal justice system?
A) To determine guilt or innocence
B) To decide whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime
C) To sentence offenders
D) To investigate criminal activities
Answer: B) To decide whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime
Explanation: A grand jury’s role is to determine whether there is probable cause to charge a person with a crime, not to determine guilt or innocence.
What is “probation” in the context of criminal justice?
A) A form of punishment involving incarceration
B) A period of supervision outside of prison, subject to specific conditions
C) A sentence of community service
D) A form of pretrial release
Answer: B) A period of supervision outside of prison, subject to specific conditions
Explanation: Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision in the community instead of serving time in prison.
Which of the following is considered a “white-collar crime”?
A) Armed robbery
B) Embezzlement
C) Vandalism
D) Shoplifting
Answer: B) Embezzlement
Explanation: White-collar crimes are typically non-violent offenses involving financial gain, such as embezzlement or fraud.
Which of the following best describes “juvenile delinquency”?
A) A crime committed by an adult
B) A status offense committed by a minor
C) A property crime committed by a juvenile
D) An act committed by a juvenile that would be a crime if committed by an adult
Answer: D) An act committed by a juvenile that would be a crime if committed by an adult
Explanation: Juvenile delinquency refers to behavior that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult.
What is the main purpose of “restorative justice”?
A) To punish offenders as severely as possible
B) To restore balance by repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior
C) To reform offenders through rehabilitation programs
D) To provide financial compensation to victims
Answer: B) To restore balance by repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior
Explanation: Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior by involving the victim, offender, and community in the resolution process.
Which of the following is a defense that can be used in criminal cases?
A) Double jeopardy
B) Insanity
C) Probable cause
D) Exclusionary rule
Answer: B) Insanity
Explanation: The insanity defense argues that the defendant was not responsible for their actions due to mental illness at the time of the crime.
What is the role of a defense attorney in a criminal case?
A) To prosecute the case on behalf of the state
B) To defend the accused and ensure they receive a fair trial
C) To sentence the offender
D) To investigate crimes and gather evidence
Answer: B) To defend the accused and ensure they receive a fair trial
Explanation: A defense attorney represents the accused, ensuring their legal rights are protected and providing a defense against the charges.
What is “capital punishment”?
A) Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole
B) A sentence of death for a crime
C) A sentence of probation with conditions
D) A fine imposed for minor offenses
Answer: B) A sentence of death for a crime
Explanation: Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is a legal sentence of death imposed on someone convicted of certain serious crimes.
What is the “Rule of Law” in criminal justice?
A) The law is applied equally to all individuals
B) Laws are only enforced in certain circumstances
C) Laws can be changed based on political influence
D) Only the government is accountable under the law
Answer: A) The law is applied equally to all individuals
Explanation: The Rule of Law ensures that all individuals, regardless of their status, are subject to the law and that laws are applied equally.
What is the role of “corrections” in the criminal justice system?
A) To investigate and prosecute criminal activity
B) To oversee the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders
C) To determine the guilt or innocence of an accused person
D) To provide defense counsel to the accused
Answer: B) To oversee the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders
Explanation: The corrections system is responsible for carrying out sentences and providing rehabilitation programs for offenders.
Which of the following describes the “exclusionary rule”?
A) Evidence obtained without a search warrant can be used in court
B) Evidence obtained through illegal means cannot be used in court
C) Evidence can be excluded from trial if it is irrelevant to the case
D) Evidence obtained from witnesses must be excluded if they are not present in court
Answer: B) Evidence obtained through illegal means cannot be used in court
Explanation: The exclusionary rule prevents evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment from being used in criminal trials.
Which of the following is an example of a “status offense”?
A) Shoplifting
B) Running away from home
C) Murder
D) Assault
Answer: B) Running away from home
Explanation: A status offense is an act that is only considered an offense due to the age of the offender, such as truancy or running away from home.
Which of the following is true about the “public defender” system?
A) Public defenders are only appointed for minor offenses
B) Public defenders provide legal representation for individuals who cannot afford a private attorney
C) Public defenders work only on juvenile cases
D) Public defenders are paid by the defendant
Answer: B) Public defenders provide legal representation for individuals who cannot afford a private attorney
Explanation: Public defenders are appointed to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney, ensuring the right to counsel.
Which of the following is a major criticism of the “three strikes” law?
A) It promotes leniency for repeat offenders
B) It often leads to life sentences for minor crimes
C) It encourages parole for violent offenders
D) It reduces the power of law enforcement
Answer: B) It often leads to life sentences for minor crimes
Explanation: The “three strikes” law mandates life sentences for individuals convicted of three felonies, which can result in disproportionate punishment for relatively minor offenses.
What does “double jeopardy” mean?
A) A defendant cannot be tried for the same crime twice after being acquitted
B) A defendant can only be tried once, regardless of the outcome
C) A defendant must be given two opportunities to present their defense
D) A defendant can be punished twice for the same crime
Answer: A) A defendant cannot be tried for the same crime twice after being acquitted
Explanation: Double jeopardy protects individuals from being tried twice for the same offense after being acquitted or convicted.
What is “victimless crime”?
A) A crime in which no harm is caused to anyone
B) A crime that harms only the criminal
C) A crime where the victim is unknown or anonymous
D) A crime that only involves harm to the perpetrator
Answer: B) A crime that harms only the criminal
Explanation: Victimless crimes are offenses that do not directly harm other people but may harm the individual committing the act, such as drug use or prostitution.
Which of the following is true about “probation violations”?
A) Probation violations are always punishable by imprisonment
B) Probation violations can result in a revocation of probation and incarceration
C) Probation violations are rarely penalized
D) Probation violations are only penalized if the offender commits a new crime
Answer: B) Probation violations can result in a revocation of probation and incarceration
Explanation: If a probationer violates the conditions of their probation, it can be revoked, leading to a return to prison.
What does “arrest” mean in the criminal justice system?
A) The process of detaining a person for questioning
B) The formal legal process of charging someone with a crime
C) The act of taking a person into custody for suspected criminal activity
D) The sentence imposed on a convicted individual
Answer: C) The act of taking a person into custody for suspected criminal activity
Explanation: An arrest involves taking a person into custody due to suspicion that they have committed a crime.
What is the role of “forensic science” in the criminal justice system?
A) To provide legal defense for the accused
B) To investigate the crime scene and collect evidence
C) To provide rehabilitation to offenders
D) To make sentencing recommendations
Answer: B) To investigate the crime scene and collect evidence
Explanation: Forensic science plays a crucial role in collecting and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes to aid in solving crimes.
What is the primary difference between “felonies” and “misdemeanors”?
A) Felonies involve more severe punishment than misdemeanors
B) Misdemeanors are always non-violent, while felonies are violent crimes
C) Felonies are less serious crimes than misdemeanors
D) There is no difference; they are just different names for crimes
Answer: A) Felonies involve more severe punishment than misdemeanors
Explanation: Felonies are more serious crimes with harsher penalties, such as imprisonment for over a year, while misdemeanors involve less serious offenses with lighter penalties.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the “due process” model of criminal justice?
A) Ensuring fair treatment for the accused
B) Focusing on individual rights
C) Prioritizing public safety over individual rights
D) Emphasizing procedural fairness
Answer: C) Prioritizing public safety over individual rights
Explanation: The due process model emphasizes individual rights and fairness over swift punishment and public safety concerns.
Which of the following is true regarding the “Miranda warning”?
A) It must be read only when an individual is arrested for a felony
B) It is required when a person is questioned by law enforcement while in custody
C) It is required only during a trial
D) It is necessary only when the defendant is under investigation for a crime
Answer: B) It is required when a person is questioned by law enforcement while in custody
Explanation: The Miranda warning must be read when a suspect is in custody and about to be interrogated to inform them of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial?
A) First Amendment
B) Fifth Amendment
C) Sixth Amendment
D) Eighth Amendment
Answer: C) Sixth Amendment
Explanation: The Sixth Amendment ensures the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, and legal counsel for those accused of crimes.
What is the primary function of “law enforcement” agencies in the criminal justice system?
A) To adjudicate criminal cases
B) To enforce laws and investigate crimes
C) To determine punishment for crimes
D) To provide rehabilitation services
Answer: B) To enforce laws and investigate crimes
Explanation: Law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and making arrests.
What is the concept of “bail” in the criminal justice system?
A) A fee paid by the convicted individual
B) A guarantee to secure a defendant’s release before trial
C) A form of punishment for individuals awaiting trial
D) A court order to keep an offender in custody without trial
Answer: B) A guarantee to secure a defendant’s release before trial
Explanation: Bail is money or property posted by a defendant to ensure their appearance in court, allowing them to be released from custody before trial.
Which of the following best describes “probable cause”?
A) A belief based on reasonable grounds that a crime has been committed
B) A legal justification for arrest or search without a warrant
C) A vague suspicion about a person’s involvement in a crime
D) An unsubstantiated guess about a potential crime
Answer: A) A belief based on reasonable grounds that a crime has been committed
Explanation: Probable cause refers to a reasonable belief, based on facts or circumstances, that a person has committed a crime or that evidence of a crime is present in a location.
What is the primary goal of “rehabilitation” in the corrections system?
A) To deter potential offenders from committing crimes
B) To punish offenders for their crimes
C) To assist offenders in reintegrating into society and reducing recidivism
D) To provide a place for offenders to remain separated from society
Answer: C) To assist offenders in reintegrating into society and reducing recidivism
Explanation: Rehabilitation aims to reform offenders and provide them with the tools needed to reintegrate into society, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
Which of the following is a characteristic of the “crime control” model of criminal justice?
A) Emphasis on protecting the rights of individuals
B) A focus on reducing crime through swift and certain punishment
C) The importance of rehabilitation over punishment
D) A goal to prioritize the reintegration of offenders into society
Answer: B) A focus on reducing crime through swift and certain punishment
Explanation: The crime control model emphasizes the prevention and control of crime by ensuring swift and certain punishment for offenders.
What is “plea bargaining” in the criminal justice process?
A) A trial in which the defendant pleads guilty to all charges
B) A negotiation between the prosecutor and the defense to resolve the case without a trial
C) The process of selecting jurors for a trial
D) The formal sentencing of a convicted individual
Answer: B) A negotiation between the prosecutor and the defense to resolve the case without a trial
Explanation: Plea bargaining involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge or receive a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial.
Which of the following is NOT a purpose of “corrections” in the criminal justice system?
A) Punishment and deterrence
B) Rehabilitation of offenders
C) Ensuring the safety of the public
D) Providing financial compensation to victims
Answer: D) Providing financial compensation to victims
Explanation: Corrections focuses on punishing, rehabilitating, and detaining offenders, not compensating victims directly (though victims may receive compensation through separate programs).