SCCJA LEGALS 1 EXAM TEST WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
study of what is morally right and what is
Ethics
not
Motivations for unethical conduct Anger lust greed peer pressure
False statements, larceny, sex offenses,
Common crimes officer commit
battery
Average experience level of officers who
7 years
get in ethical dilemmas
1st phase of continuum of compromise Omission
Ignoring traffic violations, failing to con-
Examples of omission
duct follow ups, complete paperwork
2nd phase of continuum of compromise administrative
Examples of administrative unethical
drinking on duty, not reporting accidents
conduct
3rd phase of continuum of compromise criminal
Examples of criminal unethical conduct evidence tampering, thefts
denial of victim, victim of circumstance,
4 justifications for unethical conduct
higher cause, victim blaming
officer believes there's no victim, so no
Denial of victim harm done. example- stealing money
from drug dealer
Officer believes no choice but to act in a
Victim of circumstance
certain way
Officer believes he must break rules
Higher cause to accomplish goal. example- unlawful
search of sexual predator
Criminal charges, civil litigation, negative
impact on community relations, discipli-
Consequences of unethical conduct
nary action, loss of certification, domes-
tic problems
Greatest consequence of unethical con-
officer safety
duct
2 groups that officers feel pressured by Individuals who commit the act, some-
to keep quiet about unethical conduct one not involved in it
, Officer involved will be disciplined, offi-
4 consequences officers believe will hap- cer who ratted will be disciplined, officer
pen if they don't uphold code of silence who ratted will be shunned, administra-
tion won't do anything
ethics training, accountability, open com-
Ways agencies can control code of si-
munication, anon reporting, protect offi-
lence
cers who come forward
2 ways social media affects law enforce-
agency's image and officer's credibility
ment
conviction of a felony or crime with sen-
tence of more than 1 year, illegal use
of controlled substance, excessive force,
8 reasons academy can deny certifica-
unsafe firearm or vehicle usage, abuse
tion
of public, falsification of employment info,
lying to employer, untruthfulness to em-
ployer
Falsification of certification application,
officer found ineligible for service due to
4 reasons certification can be revoked
failure to meet prereqs, officer convicted
of criminal offense, misconduct
Anything done contrary to justice, hon-
Moral turpitude
esty, modesty or good morals.
fraud larceny intent to harm persons or
Crimes of moral turpitude
things
Statutory law enacted by legislature
developed in England from customs and
Common law
court decisions, adopted by SC in 1712
How many felony categories? 6
How many felonies exempt from classifi- 40- Murder, Homicide by Child Abuse,
cation system? And what kind? Burglary 1st, drug trafficking
How many misdemeanor categories? 3
What misdemeanors are exempt from Those that carry term of less than 1 year
classification? or more than 3
Class A Misdemeanor 3 yrs
, Class B Misdemeanor 2 yrs
Class C Misdemeanor 1 yr
2 types of defendants principal, accessory
summary, family, circuit, SC court of ap-
Types of courts
peals, SC supreme court
magistrate (crimes with $500 fine, 30
Summary court divisions days) municipal (city ordinance viola-
tions, civil cases)
Court of General Sessions (criminal),
Circuit Court Common Pleas (civil). Bond hearings for
death penalty
Court reviews cases, except death
SC Court of Appeals
penalty
SC Supreme Court Hears Direct Appeals and Writ of Cert
death penalty murder, public utility, public
Types of Direct Appeals
bond, elections, constitutional questions
Crime occurs, arrest/bond hearing, pre-
Order of trying a case
lims, grand jury, arraignment
Held by magistrate/municipal judge, de-
termines PC. Requested by defendant
Significance of Prelims within 10 days of bond hearing, state evi-
dence presented, informal and evidence
rules don't apply
18 jurors, 12 must agree for true bill. Held
Significance of Grand Jury in secret to determine if enough evidence
for trial
Defendant read rights & pleads after be-
Significance of Arraignment
ing adv of charge
guilty nolo contedendere not guilty no
Pleas defendant can enter
plea double jeopardy
When is Nol Pros guaranteed? no proof insurance
How many jurors in Circuit Court? 12
