Social Policy and Sentencing: Impact on Criminal Justice Decisions

Question 1

Mandatory minimum sentences are typically imposed for which types of offenses?

Accepted Answer

Violent crimes, drug-related crimes, and certain repeat offenses

Answer

Non-violent crimes, misdemeanors, and regulatory offenses

Answer

Crimes against the elderly, domestic violence, and animal cruelty

Answer

White-collar crimes, computer crimes, and intellectual property offenses

Question 2

The death penalty is currently legal in which of the following countries?

Accepted Answer

United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq

Answer

United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

Answer

Germany, France, Italy, and Spain

Answer

Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore

Question 3

Which of the following social policies has been identified as a factor contributing to mass incarceration in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The War on Drugs

Answer

Welfare reform

Answer

Immigration restrictions

Answer

School choice

Question 4

Which of the following is a key consideration for social workers when working with individuals who have been sentenced to prison?

Accepted Answer

Assessing risk and needs, developing rehabilitation plans, and advocating for re-entry services

Answer

Providing psychotherapy, managing medication, and facilitating group therapy sessions

Answer

Enforcing prison rules, maintaining order, and supervising inmates

Answer

Conducting research, evaluating programs, and advocating for policy changes

Question 5

Which of the following ethical principles is of particular relevance to social work practice in criminal justice settings?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality, self-determination, and social justice

Answer

Beneficence, non-maleficence, and autonomy

Answer

Veracity, fidelity, and integrity

Answer

Competence, respect for diversity, and professional boundaries

Question 6

What is a common criticism of the 'three strikes' sentencing policy?

Accepted Answer

It contributes to racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

Answer

It is an effective deterrent against criminal behavior.

Answer

It is too lenient towards first-time offenders.

Question 7

Restorative justice, as a sentencing approach, emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Rehabilitation and reintegration into the community

Answer

Retribution and punishment

Answer

Deterrence and prevention of future crimes

Answer

Incapacitation and isolation from society

Question 8

In England and Wales, which body is responsible for developing sentencing guidelines and providing training to judges and magistrates?

Accepted Answer

The Sentencing Council

Answer

The Ministry of Justice

Answer

The Crown Prosecution Service

Answer

The Magistrates' Association

Question 9

The impact of sentencing on victims and their families is primarily a:

Accepted Answer

Both practical and ethical consideration

Answer

Practical consideration

Answer

Ethical consideration

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of three strikes laws?

Accepted Answer

To deter repeat offenders from committing serious crimes.

Answer

To reduce prison overcrowding.

Answer

To increase public safety.

Answer

To rehabilitate offenders.

Question 11

What is a primary goal of 'three strikes' laws?

Accepted Answer

To incapacitate repeat offenders.

Answer

To rehabilitate first-time offenders.

Answer

To reduce the prison population.

Answer

To provide closure for victims' families.

Question 12

Which of the following factors should NOT be considered when determining an appropriate sentence?

Accepted Answer

The defendant's race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Answer

The nature and severity of the offense.

Answer

The defendant's criminal history.

Answer

All of the above are relevant factors.

Question 13

Which criticism is **NOT** associated with mandatory minimum sentencing?

Accepted Answer

Effective crime deterrence

Answer

Harsh and disproportionate sentences

Answer

Limited judicial discretion

Answer

Racial bias

Question 14

Which of the following is a core principle of restorative justice?

Accepted Answer

Dialogue and accountability

Answer

Retribution

Answer

Punishment

Question 15

What is a primary objective of mandatory minimum sentences?

Accepted Answer

Deterrence

Answer

Community safety

Answer

Rehabilitation

Question 16

Which criticism is commonly raised against 'three strikes' laws?

Accepted Answer

Disproportionate impact on marginalized communities

Answer

Effectiveness in reducing crime

Answer

Leniency towards violent offenders

Question 17

What are the primary ethical concerns surrounding the death penalty?

Accepted Answer

Irreversibility and potential execution of innocent individuals

Answer

High cost and inefficiency

Answer

Lack of public support

Question 18

What is the primary aim of community-based sentencing?

Accepted Answer

Reducing recidivism through support and rehabilitation in the community

Answer

Protecting society by isolating offenders

Answer

Punishing offenders severely to deter future crimes

Question 19

Which factor is generally not considered in sentencing decisions?

Accepted Answer

Offender's race or socioeconomic status

Answer

Severity of the offense

Answer

Prior criminal history

Question 20

What is the primary distinction between determinate and indeterminate sentencing?

Accepted Answer

Determinate sentences have a fixed duration, while indeterminate sentences have a minimum period after which release may be considered

Answer

Determinate sentences are more lenient than indeterminate sentences

Question 21

What is a potential advantage of using risk assessment tools in sentencing?

Accepted Answer

Identification of high-risk offenders for targeted interventions

Answer

Reducing racial disparities

Answer

Elimination of judicial discretion