Exam #1 Study Questions: JS 103 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
THE EXAM IS September 14, 2011
Note: You will not know in advance which questions will be selected for the exam so it is advisable to prepare for each question. Remember the exam will be closed-notes and closed-book. Your answers should reflect the breadth of information presented in the class and must incorporate specific material from the course readings whenever appropriate.
Please bring a pen and new blue book to the exam.
ESSAY ANSWER SECTION: One of the questions below will appear on your exam. The answer will be worth half of your exam grade. (Answers should range from four to six blue book pages.)
1) Describe the process by which what we know about the nature and extent of crime is produced. Address material from lectures and readings. Be sure to include in your discussion at least the following:
a) Primary data sources
b) Strengths and weaknesses of the data sources
c) The “filters” operating at the various stages of the process
2) Discuss the different ways to define crime covered in class. Be sure to include at least:
a) Sellin’s cross-cultural approach
b) Sutherland’s crime continuum
c) Hagan’s crime pyramid
d) What do you think is the best definition of crime? Justify your answer.
3) Compare and contrast the values, methods and goals of crime control versus due process. Be sure to provide examples for your points.
4) Discuss the rational-choice decision making model. Be sure to include at least:
a) Description of the model’s principles
b) Implications of the model for stopping crime
c) How the model fit Tunnell’s property offenders
d) How could we use Tunnell’s study to decrease property offenses?
THE EXAM WILL ALSO HAVE A MULTIPLE-CHOICE, TRUE/FALSE, FILL-IN-THE-BLANK SECTION WORTH HALF OF YOUR EXAM GRADE. SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM THE KEY CONCEPTS IN THE SCHMALLEGER TEXT BOOK, & CONCEPTS FROM LECTURES .