Part 1- Law and Crime

Respond to the Review Questions

1. Discuss the importance of the Bill of Rights in our adversary system. List the fundamental rights of the accused in American law.

2. Discuss the difference between misdemeanors and felonies. Your answer should include a discussion of the nature of the offenses, the different criminal court processing systems, and the potential punishments.

Part 2- Federal Courts

Respond to the Review Questions

1. The federal court system's caseload is reaching a crisis-level. Various arguments exist for ways to reduce this caseload, yet not all of these recommendations are universally supported. In particular, many experts argue for cutting back on the kinds of cases that federal courts can hear (reducing federal question jurisdiction). Discuss the arguments for and against reducing federal question jurisdiction, and then pick the position you support and explain why.

2. Federal involvement in crime grew significantly throughout the twentieth century, and shows few signs of slowing down. Do you support this continued involvement? Why or why not?

Part 3- State Courts

Respond to the Review Questions

1. The decentralized nature of state courts, with its focus on local administration, has a number of consequences for litigants. In light of these consequences, do you support this decentralized nature or would you support a move to centralize court administration? Please support your answer with examples from the text.

2. Explain why crime control advocates often oppose drug courts, and why do due process proponents support drug courts.

Americas Court and the Criminal Justice System - David W Neubauer - ISBN: 13: 978-0-495-09540-8