JS 403 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems

Exam One Study Questions: Test September 29, 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 blank blue book to the exam.

One of the essay questions below will appear on your exam, plus there will be a multiple choice, true-false/fill-in-the-blank section:

1. Compare and contrast Common Law, Civil Law and Sacred Law families. Include at least:
   1. Historical traditions
   2. Bases of the legal codes
   3. Role of Supreme courts
   4. Role of truth finding
   5. Role of judges
   6. Role of laymen
2. Discuss what we know about international crime comparisons.  Be sure to at least examine:
   1. The different sources of data for what we know about international crime.
   2. The strengths and weaknesses and limitations of the various data sources.
   3. How do the crime rates of the six model countries compare?
   4. Use a crime theory discussed in class to explain the differences in Japan’s crime rates versus the United States’.

3. Discuss the benefits of comparing systems of criminal justice across the globe.  Be sure to also discuss examples of international and transnational crimes. 

4. Discuss the video “Sisters in Law”  What comparative criminal justice themes are exemplified by these issues?  .

5. Discuss the video “The Torture Question”  What comparative criminal justice themes are exemplified by these issues?