CSU Political Science Potential Judges Position Question
QUESTION 1 1. After the commission’s review, a list of potential judges were given to the governor for selection. A judge was selected by the governor after a judicial nominating commission reviewed several candidates for the position. This kind of selection for judges is called:
spoils system.
merit selection.
pure appointive system.
election.
QUESTION 2 1. A judge who is said to act as an independent policy maker who creatively interprets a constitution or statute would best be described as:
an activist judge.
a strict constructionist judge.
a Supreme Court judge.
an appeals court judge.
QUESTION 3 1. The jury decided to find the defendant not guilty of an accused crime because the jury members believed the law was immoral and should not apply to the defendant. What term best describes the jury’s action?
Plea bargain
Alternative dispute resolution
Jury nullification
Determinate sentencing
QUESTION 4 1. Which position is a part of the criminal court systems?
Lieutenant governor
Defense attorney
Governor
Secretary of state
QUESTION 5 1. The highest level of judicial review within any given state relating to state law and courts is:
trial courts.
appeals courts.
small claims court.
state supreme court.
QUESTION 6 1. Describe the current criminal justice system, including police departments, prosecutors, judges, and prisons. Make suggestions for reform.
Your response must be at least 200 words in length.
QUESTION 7 1. Explain the processes of selecting judges through the three systems: merit selection, elections, and appointment system. What are the pros and cons of each process, and which system would you deem the best choice for your specific state?
Your response must be at least 200 words in length.
QUESTION 8 1. Explain and describe the various roles and structure of the state courts. How do the state courts interact with the federal courts?
Your response must be at least 200 words in length.
