Question 1

Discuss the options a judge and prosecutor may have when addressing a criminal case. Review the levels of criminal charges and the possibility of a plea bargain and probation. Based on this knowledge, how "tough" is the Texas system?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the options a judge and prosecutor...

Question 2

How are urban police forces different from suburban or rural police forces? What are the challenges facing police departments in Texas today? What changes have been implemented to deal with these challenges? Do these changes go far enough?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are urban police forces different from...

Question 3

Scientific advances in DNA technology have helped exonerate many people who were wrongfully convicted.

Accepted Answer

DNA technology has been used to re-examine evidence in many cases and has led to the exoneration of numerous individuals who were wrongfully convicted.

Question 4

Explain the implications of court-ordered prison reforms on the criminal justice system in Texas and the state's large number of executions. Which court case precipitated the prison reform?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the implications of court-ordered prison reforms...

Question 5

The integrity of the Texas judicial system has been called into question many times. Explain what events have caused it to be called into question. Discuss the outcome of the situations and what the state of Texas is doing to combat future accusations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The integrity of the Texas judicial system...

Question 6

The Michael Morton Act established a uniform policy for district attorneys to make material that can help defendants' cases available to defense attorneys.

Accepted Answer

The Michael Morton Act, also known as the Texas Courtroom Open Records Act, was signed into law in Texas in 2013 and requires prosecutors to disclose all evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to defense attorneys. This helps ensure a fair trial and protects innocent individuals from being wrongfully convicted.

Question 7

What are the steps after a person is arrested? Do you believe the criminal justice system creates criminals? Explain the process of how an accused person obtains a criminal defense. What are the concerns with a court-appointed attorney?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the steps after a person...

Question 8

Arson science is evolving and we now know that what were once believed to be indicators of arson may also appear in an accidental fire.

Accepted Answer

Arson science has evolved over time and it has been discovered that some indicators of arson may also exist in accidental fires. These indicators include the presence of accelerants, char patterns, and V-shaped burn patterns. Therefore, it is no longer safe to rely solely on these indicators as conclusive evidence of arson without further investigation.

Question 9

One of the most controversial judicial issues in Texas is the death penalty. Explain some of the reasons for the controversy. How does race play a role in the controversy? What role does the court of criminal appeals play? What is the process by which clemencies are offered?

Accepted Answer

The answer of One of the most controversial judicial issues...

Quiz 13: Crime and Corrections Policy