Learning Objectives

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: TRUE OR FALSE?

  1. The only difference between criminal law and civil law is that violation of a criminal law may result in imprisonment.
  2. There is no significant relationship between the criminal law and criminal procedure.
  3. The primary distinction between felonies and misdemeanors is that felonies may result in incarceration and that misdemeanors may result in only a monetary fine.
  4. A state criminal code will tell you all you need to know to understand the elements of crimes and criminal defenses in a state.
  5. After being charged with a federal criminal offense, the next procedural step is for a defendant to stand trial in federal court.
  6. All state court systems provide that a criminal defendant has the right to an automatic appeal to the state supreme court.
  7. Criminal law is different from other areas of the law in that judges are not required to follow the precedent established in previous cases.