Criminology : Courts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Criminology
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Courts
Which of the following is not a component of the state court system in the United States?
District courts
Appellate court of last resort
Trial courts of limited jurisdiction
Trial courts of general jurisdiction
Intermediate courts of general jurisdiction
District courts
The United States uses a dual court system. The dual court system is broken into two parts: the state court system and the federal court system. The state court system is composed of trial courts of limited jurisdiction, trial courts of general jurisdiction, intermediate courts of appeals, and the appellate court of last resort. The federal system is composed of district courts, circuit courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Appeals can lead cases from both from federal circuit courts of appeals and state appellate courts of last resort to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Example Question #2 : Criminal Justice System
Which of the following is not an action where prosecutors exercise discretion?
Reducing charges
Imposing sentences
Filing charges or petitions for adjudication
Seeking indictments
Dropping cases
Imposing sentences
Discretion in the criminal justice system refers to an agent's ability to have the authority to make decisions without reference to specific rules but rather by using their own judgement. This permits individualization in the administration of justice. Prosecutors cannot use discretion in "imposing sentences" this is left to the discretion of judges or magistrates.
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