Sample Questions and Answers
What is the “good faith exception” to the Exclusionary Rule?
A) Evidence obtained by officers acting in good faith, even if a search warrant is later found to be invalid, may be admitted in court
B) Evidence cannot be excluded if the defendant confesses voluntarily
C) Evidence obtained without a warrant can always be used if the defendant is guilty
D) Evidence obtained from a suspect’s confession cannot be used against them
Answer: A
What is “an arraignment”?
A) The first court appearance where the defendant is informed of charges and enters a plea
B) The process of the jury selecting a foreperson
C) The procedure for a suspect to be released on bail
D) The defendant’s appeal after a trial verdict
Answer: A
What does “double jeopardy” prevent?
A) The defendant from being tried twice for the same offense after an acquittal or conviction
B) The defendant from serving a sentence for multiple offenses
C) The prosecution from appealing a conviction
D) The jury from deliberating in secret
Answer: A
What does “probation violation” refer to?
A) When a defendant fails to comply with the conditions of their probation
B) When a defendant is granted a new trial during probation
C) When a defendant successfully completes their probation
D) When a defendant is granted early release from probation
Answer: A
What is “the exclusionary rule” designed to protect?
A) The rights of individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures
B) The defendant’s right to a fair trial
C) The prosecution’s ability to present evidence
D) The defendant’s right to appeal
Answer: A
What is the role of a “grand jury”?
A) To determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime
B) To decide the verdict of a criminal trial
C) To deliver the final judgment on the sentencing of a defendant
D) To serve as the jury for the defendant’s trial
Answer: A
What is “arraignment” primarily used for?
A) To inform the defendant of their charges and allow them to enter a plea
B) To hear witness testimony
C) To review sentencing options
D) To make a final judgment on the defendant’s guilt
Answer: A
What is the “fruit of the poisonous tree” doctrine?
A) Evidence obtained from an illegal search or interrogation is inadmissible, including any secondary evidence derived from it
B) Evidence that was intentionally planted by law enforcement is inadmissible
C) Evidence found by an informant is always admissible
D) Evidence obtained with a legal search warrant cannot be questioned
Answer: A
What is the “right to a speedy trial”?
A) The defendant’s right to have their trial conducted without unnecessary delay
B) The right to have a trial with a jury of peers
C) The right to a trial within 24 hours of arrest
D) The right to avoid questioning by law enforcement
Answer: A
Which of the following is an example of “circumstantial evidence”?
A) A fingerprint found at the scene of the crime
B) A witness seeing the defendant commit the crime
C) A defendant’s confession
D) A weapon found on the defendant’s property
Answer: A
What is a “search warrant”?
A) A legal document issued by a judge that authorizes the police to search a specific location for evidence
B) A legal document that permits law enforcement to arrest a suspect without probable cause
C) A written permission from the defendant to allow police to search their property
D) A form used to document a suspect’s criminal record
Answer: A
What does “self-defense” mean in a criminal case?
A) The defendant’s claim that they used force to protect themselves from imminent harm
B) The defendant’s refusal to cooperate with law enforcement
C) The defendant’s claim that they were unaware of their criminal actions
D) The defendant’s request for leniency based on personal circumstances
Answer: A
What does the “Sixth Amendment” guarantee?
A) The right to a fair and speedy trial, an impartial jury, and the right to confront witnesses
B) The right to remain silent during police questioning
C) The right to legal representation during the investigation
D) The right to have a trial only in federal court
Answer: A
What is the “right to counsel”?
A) The defendant’s right to have an attorney present during criminal proceedings
B) The defendant’s right to request that no attorneys be present
C) The defendant’s right to have the prosecution provide them with legal advice
D) The defendant’s right to represent themselves in court without an attorney
Answer: A
What is “jury nullification”?
A) The jury’s ability to acquit a defendant even if the evidence clearly supports a conviction, based on their belief that the law is unjust
B) The jury’s ability to reduce a defendant’s sentence based on good behavior
C) The jury’s right to appeal a verdict
D) The jury’s ability to exclude certain pieces of evidence from consideration
Answer: A
What is “expungement”?
A) The legal process of removing a conviction from a criminal record after a certain period
B) The process of making a defendant serve time in prison instead of jail
C) A defendant’s appeal of a conviction to a higher court
D) A defendant’s release from prison after serving their sentence
Answer: A
What does “the right to appeal” allow?
A) The defendant’s right to challenge a conviction or sentence in a higher court
B) The right to re-try the case in the same court
C) The right to request a different defendant
D) The right to dismiss charges against the defendant
Answer: A
What is the “purpose of sentencing”?
A) To impose a punishment that is appropriate for the crime and to serve the interests of justice
B) To allow the defendant to request leniency
C) To give the jury an opportunity to decide the defendant’s punishment
D) To provide the defendant with an opportunity for rehabilitation only
Answer: A
What is a “guilty plea”?
A) A formal admission of guilt by the defendant
B) A request to have the case dismissed due to insufficient evidence
C) A motion to delay the trial
D) A defendant’s refusal to attend court
Answer: A
What is the “Miranda warning”?
A) A warning given to a suspect in custody informing them of their right to remain silent and the right to an attorney
B) A statement made by the prosecutor at the beginning of a trial
C) A document outlining the defendant’s charges
D) A notification that a suspect’s case will be dismissed
Answer: A
What is the primary purpose of a “pretrial conference”?
A) To discuss the possibility of a plea deal and other trial procedures
B) To select the jury for the trial
C) To deliver the final verdict in the case
D) To decide the defendant’s sentence
Answer: A
What is “probable cause”?
A) A reasonable belief that a crime has been committed and that a suspect is involved
B) A legal defense used in court to prove innocence
C) A suspicion that a person might be involved in criminal activity
D) A condition necessary for an acquittal
Answer: A
What does “bail” refer to?
A) The money or property given to the court as a guarantee that the defendant will return for trial
B) The formal charges brought against a defendant
C) The defendant’s legal defense during trial
D) The document issued by the judge that sets the trial date
Answer: A
What is a “search incident to arrest”?
A) A search of a person and their immediate surroundings when arrested, without a warrant
B) A search of a vehicle following a traffic stop
C) A search of the defendant’s residence before an arrest warrant is issued
D) A search conducted by consent from the suspect
Answer: A
What does “due process” ensure?
A) That an individual is treated fairly and equally under the law
B) That a defendant has the right to remain silent during police interrogation
C) That a defendant is tried by a jury of their peers
D) That an arrest can only occur after probable cause is established
Answer: A
What is “indictment”?
A) A formal charge or accusation of a crime issued by a grand jury
B) A pretrial motion to dismiss charges
C) A legal term for a defendant’s confession
D) A defense used by the accused in court
Answer: A
What is “habeas corpus”?
A) A legal order requiring a person to be brought before a court to determine if their detention is lawful
B) A document used to file charges against a defendant
C) A defense that prevents the defendant from testifying
D) A motion to exclude certain evidence from a trial
Answer: A
What is the role of a “probation officer”?
A) To supervise individuals who have been released from jail or prison on probation and ensure they comply with conditions
B) To represent the defendant in court during trial
C) To enforce the laws governing criminal offenses
D) To investigate cases for the prosecution
Answer: A
What is “appeal” in the criminal justice process?
A) A legal process where a defendant asks a higher court to review the decision made by a lower court
B) A motion filed by the prosecution to reduce a sentence
C) A request for the defendant’s immediate release
D) A form of punishment for a convicted defendant
Answer: A
What is the “plain view doctrine”?
A) The principle that allows officers to seize evidence without a warrant if it is in plain view during a lawful observation
B) The right of the defendant to observe the trial in its entirety
C) The rule requiring evidence to be presented in open court
D) The process of the jury viewing a crime scene during deliberations
Answer: A
What is “the exclusionary rule”?
A) A legal rule that excludes improperly obtained evidence from being used in court
B) A rule that allows only evidence from the defense to be presented
C) A rule that excludes eyewitness testimony from the trial
D) A rule preventing juries from hearing evidence during sentencing
Answer: A
What is the purpose of a “sentencing hearing”?
A) To determine the appropriate punishment for a convicted defendant
B) To review the defendant’s plea bargain
C) To evaluate the defendant’s fitness for trial
D) To select jurors for the trial
Answer: A
What is “contempt of court”?
A) A crime that involves disobeying or disrespecting the authority of the court
B) A defense used by the defendant to avoid trial
C) The act of admitting guilt in court
D) The process of appealing a conviction
Answer: A
What does “the right to confront witnesses” ensure?
A) The defendant’s right to face and cross-examine witnesses who testify against them
B) The defendant’s right to remain silent in the presence of witnesses
C) The defendant’s right to call witnesses to testify in their favor
D) The defendant’s right to submit written evidence instead of appearing in court
Answer: A
What is “voir dire”?
A) The process of jury selection where potential jurors are questioned for biases
B) The legal process of presenting evidence to the court
C) The process of giving the final closing statement in a trial
D) The procedure for granting bail to the defendant
Answer: A
What is “a plea bargain”?
A) An agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence
B) A request for a trial by judge instead of a jury
C) A defendant’s motion to appeal their conviction
D) A request to exclude certain evidence from trial
Answer: A
What is the “right to a public trial”?
A) The defendant’s right to have the trial conducted in a public courtroom
B) The defendant’s right to have their trial broadcast on TV
C) The defendant’s right to choose whether the trial is public or private
D) The right of the prosecution to have a closed trial for security reasons
Answer: A
What is “beyond a reasonable doubt”?
A) The level of certainty required for a jury to convict a defendant
B) The level of certainty required for a defendant to be acquitted
C) The standard used by police officers to arrest a suspect
D) The legal standard for determining damages in civil cases
Answer: A
What is the role of the “prosecutor” in a criminal trial?
A) To represent the government and bring charges against the defendant
B) To defend the accused against charges
C) To judge the evidence presented in court
D) To arrange for the defendant’s release on bail
Answer: A
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.