___________refers to the use of personal judgment by police officers, prosecutors, judges, and other criminal justice system officials regarding whether and how to proceed in a given situation.
A) Discretion
B) Optional processing
C) Reasonable suspicion
D) Probable cause

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Discretion refers to the decision-making power of criminal justice system officials. They may choose how to proceed in a given situation based on their personal judgment, experience, and the circumstances at hand. Discretion can be exercised at different stages of the criminal justice process, including arrest, charging, plea bargaining, sentencing, and parole. It is a necessary and inherent part of the system, but it also creates opportunities for bias, inconsistency, and inequity if not guided by clear policies, standards, and oversight.

___________Refers to the Use of Personal Judgment by Police Officers