Describe some examples that question the rational choice approach.

Midterm Exam Comparative Criminal Justice Systems 1. Why there should be distinctive sanctions, sought by the state (prosecutors and not victims), for some types of wrong doings (crimes)? 2. According to the rational choice approach, why do people commit crimes? 3. Describe some examples that question the rational choice approach. 4. What is criminal justice? 5. Why is it desirable to study the legal system of other countries? 6. What should we consider when comparing criminal justice systems? 7. Describe the main differences between common law and civil law. 8. Describe the main policing models. 9. Describe the core principles of democratic policing. 10. Describe two innovative approaches to police accountability. 11. Which are the main differences between the inquisitorial and the adversarial models of prosecuting? 12. Describe examples of prosecutors’ discretion while performing their functions. 13. Describe the benefits of providing prosecutors with guidelines? 14. What should these guidelines regulate? 15. When does private prosecution works as an accountability mechanism? 16. Describe the role of judges in the criminal justice system. 17. Which are the main variables that affect judges’ independence? 18. Explain why it is desirable to have jurors deciding the defendant’s guilt.