Question 1

The lex talionis is represented in the sentencing philosophy of retribution.

Accepted Answer

The lex talionis, or "law of retaliation," is a principle that emphasizes punishment equivalent to the offense, which aligns with the retributive philosophy of justice.

Question 2

One of the pioneers of the rehabilitation movement in corrections in the United States was Zebulon Brockway.

Accepted Answer

Zebulon Brockway was a key figure in the rehabilitation movement in the U.S. corrections system, known for implementing the Elmira Reformatory model focusing on reform and education.

Question 3

Specific deterrence proposes that we punish an individual for the benefit of society.

Accepted Answer

Specific deterrence aims to prevent an individual from reoffending by imposing a punishment, focusing on the individual's behavior rather than societal benefit.

Question 4

Petty misdemeanors may also be known as infractions.

Accepted Answer

Petty misdemeanors are often referred to as infractions, which are minor violations that typically result in fines rather than jail time.

Question 5

The terms of probation are determined by legislatures.

Accepted Answer

The terms of probation are typically determined by the courts or probation officers, within the framework set by legislatures.

Question 6

A fine imposed based on the offender's ability to pay is known as restitution.

Accepted Answer

Restitution is compensation paid to a victim by the offender, while a fine based on ability to pay is often referred to as a "day fine" or "income-based fine."

Question 7

The most recent figures available show that nationwide there are about 757,000 people on probation.

Accepted Answer

The most recent figures available indicate that there are approximately 3.5 million people on probation in the United States, not 757,000.

Question 8

The 1972 Supreme Court case that struck down the death penalty as it was then being imposed was Furman v. Georgia.

Accepted Answer

Furman v. Georgia (1972) was the Supreme Court case that ruled the death penalty, as it was being administered at the time, was arbitrary and capricious, leading to a de facto moratorium on capital punishment.

Question 9

Determinate sentences can be reduced through accumulation of good time credits.

Accepted Answer

In many jurisdictions, determinate sentences can be reduced if the inmate earns good time credits for good behavior or participation in certain programs, which can lead to an earlier release.

Question 10

The state that pioneered sentencing guidelines was Colorado.

Accepted Answer

Minnesota was the first state to implement sentencing guidelines in 1980.

Question 11

Discuss the decision of whether to allow multiple sentences to run concurrently or consecutively. What are the advantages and disadvantages to each? What circumstances should be taken into account in making this decision? Should judges be given so much discretion in making this decision? Explain your reasoning.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the decision of whether to allow...

Question 12

Describe the factors that have an influence on criminal sentencing and the specific role that each one plays in sentence determination.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the factors that have an influence...

Question 13

Discuss the prosecutor's decision to charge a defendant with a crime, the tactics that may be employed, and the impact that this may have on the sentencing process. Should prosecutors be given such broad discretion in this process? Explain your reasoning.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the prosecutor's decision to charge a...

Question 14

Discuss the reasons that indeterminate sentencing may be utilized and why it is often the dominate form of sentencing in a state. Is determinate or indeterminate sentencing the best approach for bringing about justice? Why? Be specific and give examples.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the reasons that indeterminate sentencing may...

Question 15

Discuss the various reasons given for why women are underrepresented in the offender population. Which, if any, is/are correct? Explain your reasoning.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the various reasons given for why...

Question 16

Charging the defendant with as many different offenses or counts of an offense as possible.

Accepted Answer

Horizontal overcharging refers to the practice of charging a defendant with as many different offenses or counts of an offense as possible, often to increase the likelihood of a conviction or to pressure the defendant into a plea bargain.

Question 17

Stresses individualization and rehabilitation and specifies a minimum and maximum sentence for an offender's crime.

Accepted Answer

Indeterminate sentences focus on individualization and rehabilitation by allowing a range of time for a sentence, giving parole boards discretion to release offenders when they are deemed rehabilitated.

Question 18

Reinstated the use of capital punishment.

Accepted Answer

The Gregg v. Georgia case in 1976 reinstated the use of capital punishment in the United States after it had been previously suspended by the Furman v. Georgia decision in 1972.

Question 19

Allows judges to require offenders to serve all or a large part of one sentence before beginning the next sentence.

Accepted Answer

Consecutive sentences require offenders to serve one sentence in full or a large part of it before starting the next sentence.

Question 20

Idea that the criminal justice system is more likely to sanction men than women.

Accepted Answer

The chivalry hypothesis suggests that the criminal justice system is more lenient towards women, leading to a higher likelihood of sanctioning men.

Quiz 8: Sentencing