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MBE and Essay Criminal Procedure
MBE and Essay Criminal Procedure
92
Law
Graduate
07/07/2011

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Cards

Term
What does the fourth amendment prohibit?
Definition
Unreasonable search and seizure
Term
What does the 5th Amendment provide?
Definition
The privilage against compulsory self incrimination, and the prohibition against double jeopardy
Term
What rights does the 6th amendment grant?
Definition

They mostly deal with trials:

Right to speedy trial

Right to public trial

Right to trial by jury

Right to onfront witnesses

Compulsory process for obtaining witnesses

&

Right to assistance of counsel in felony cases and in misdemeanor cases in which imprisonment is imposed

Term
What does the 8th Amendment provide?
Definition
The prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, prisoner rights
Term
What is the Exclusionary rule?
Definition
A judge-made doctrine that prohibits the introduction of evidence obtained in violation of a defendant's 4th, 5th and 6th am rights or a federal statute. Under the rule, illegally obtained evidence is inadmissable at trial, and all "fruit of the poisonous tree" must also be excluded.
Term
In what 3 proceedings is the Exclusionary rule not available?
Definition

1) grand jury proceedings (grand jury witness may be compelled to testify based on illegally seized evidence)

 

2) civil proceedings

 

3) parole revokation proceedings

Term
May excluded evidence be used for impeachment purposes?
Definition
Yes, but only to impeach the credibility of the defendant's trial testimony
Term
What is the "Fruit of the Poisonous Tree" doctrine?
Definition

The doctrine excludes all evidence obtained or derived from police illegality, subject to 3 exclusions where government can break the chain between unlawful police action and evidence (the 3 I's):

 

1) govt can show that it had an independent source for that evidence, independent of the original police illegality

 

2) inevitable discovery:  the police would have inevitably discovered this evidence anyway

 

3) intervening acts of free will on the part of the defendant

Term
What is the harmless error test?
Definition
if illegal evidence is admitted, a resulting conviction should be overruled on appeal unless the government can show beyond reasonable doubt that the error was harmless.
Term
Harmless error test - habeas proceeding
Definition
In a habeas proceeding (prisoner should be released) where the where the petitioner claims constitutional error, he should be released if he can show that the error had a SUBSTANTIAL AND INJURIOUS EFFECT in the jury's verdict
Term
Exclusionary rule - limitation regarding good faith
Definition
The exclusionary rule does not apply when the police arrest someone erroneously but in good faith think that they are acting pursuant to a valid arrest warrant, search warrant, or law.
Term
Enforcement of exclusionary rule - who has the burden of admissibility?
Definition
Government bears the burden of establishing admissibility by a preponderance of the evidence
Term
Seizure - what constitutes?
Definition
reasonable person would believe that she is not free to leave or terminate encounter with the government
Term
Arrests - must be based on what?
Definition
Probable cause - trustworthy facts or knowledge sufficient for a reasonable person to believe that the suspect has committed or is committing a crime
Term
What two things do the police need to have for an investigatory detention (ie a Stop and Frisk)?
Definition

1) reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or involvement in a completed crime (by totality of the circumstances)

+

2) supported by articulable facts (more than a hunch)

Term
What do police need for an automobile stops in general?  What about checkpoint roadblocks?
Definition

Reasonable suspicion, although checkpoint roadblocks are OK as long as police stop cars based on

 

1) neutral, articulable standard (ie every car), and

2) be designed to serve purposes closely related to a particular problem related to automobiles and their mobility

Term
Is a dog sniff a search at a traffic stop?
Definition
No, so long as police officers do not extend the stop beyong the time needed to issue a ticket or conduct normal inquiries
Term
What are the four general questions to answering a search and seizure essay question?
Definition

1) was there governmental conduct?

2) did the search violate a reasonable expectation of privacy (ie standing)?

3) did the police have a valid search warrant?  If so, was it properly executed?

4) if the warrant was not valid, does an officer's good faith defense save the warrant?

Term
What is governmental conduct (2 main actors)
Definition

1) publicly paid police - on or off duty (privately paid police don't count unless they are deputized with power to arrest)

 

2) any private individual acting at the direction of the public police

Term
What are the 3 automatic categories of standing for violation of search and seizure?  What is the "maybe" category?
Definition

1) you own the premises searched

2) you live on the premises searched (ownership interest doesn't matter)

3) overnight guests (but not homeless dudes)

 

and

 

4) maybe:  you own the property seized (must have expectation of privacy in the item or area searched), or you are legitimately present when the search takes place

Term
What are things for which there is no reasonable expectation of privacy?
Definition

Generally:  objects held out to the public

NOTE: use of sense-enhancing technology not available to public violates

 

1) sound of voice

2) handwriting

3) paint on vehicle

4) bank account records

5) location of one's vehicle on public roads or arrival at private residence

6) areas outside the home and related buildings

7) garbage left out for collection (AT CURB)

8) land visible from a public place, even from plane or helicopter

9) odors eminating from luggage

Term
2 core requirements for facially valid search warrant
Definition

1) probable cause (fair probability that contraband or evidence of a crime will be found in the area searched)

2) particularity (place searched + things to be seized)

Term
Warrants - what will overcome defenses with the probably cause or particularity requirements?
Definition
An officer's GOOD FAITH RELIANCE on a search warrant overcomes defenses with the probable cause and particularity requirements
Term
When will a search warrant be invalidated on the basis of an affidavit (3 requirements)?
Definition

1) a false statement was included in the affidavit by the affiant (the officer applying for the warrant)

2) the affiant intentionally or recklessly included the false statement, and

3) the false statement was material to the finding of probable cause

Term
What is the standard for use of informants to establish probable cause for a warrant?
Definition

Totality of the circumstances - reliability / credibility, basis of knowledge

 

NOTE:  anonymous tip doesn't matter

Term
When is "no knock" entry permitted (if you have a warant)
Definition
If knocking and announcing would be dangerous, futile, or would inhibit the investigation
Term
What are the 2 "lacking" exceptions to good faith reliance on a defective search warrant
Definition

1) the affidavid underlying the warrant is so lacking in probably cause that no reasonable police officer would have relied on it

 

2) The affidavid underlying the warrant is so lacking in particularity that no reasonable officer would have relied on it

Term
What effect does the magistrate being biased have on a good faith defense of relying on an invalid search warrant?
Definition
The warrant is not saved
Term
Exceptions to warrantless search
Definition

search incident to constitutional arrest

automobile search

plain view

consent

stop and frisk

hot pursuit, evanescent evidence, emergency

Term
Requirements for search incident to lawful arrest
Definition
The arrest must be lawful and contemporaneous in time and place with the arrest, and the scope of the search may include only the person and his wingspan
Term
Search incident to a lawful arrest - when can interior of automobile be searched?
Definition

Arrestee is unsecured and may gain access to interior of vehicle, OR

Police reasonably believe that evidence of the offense for which the person was arrested may be found in the vehicle

Term
Requirements for automobile exception to warrant requirement
Definition
To search a car without a warrant requires probable cause (vehicle contains the fruits, instrumentalities or evidence of a particular crime), and police may search the whole car, including luggage and trunk (as long as items for which they are looking could reasonably be hidden in those compartments).

Ex: cannot search smal box for stolen TVs
Term
What is the "community caretaker" exception to a search incident to a lawful arrest that involves an automobile
Definition
A warrantless search is justified if an officer faces an emergency that threatens the health or safety of an individual or the public
Term
Requirements for "plain view" warrantless search and seizure?
Definition

1) police must be legitimately on the premises

2) discover the evidence, fruits, or instrumentalities of crime or contraband

3) see such evidence in plain view AND

4) have probable cause to believe that the item is evidence, or contraband, or a fruit of instrumentality of crime

Term
What is the third party consent exception to warrantless search and seizure?
Definition

A warrantless search is valid if the police have a voluntary and intelligent consent.

 

Person must have authority to give consent: When 2 or more people have an equal right to use the property, either can consent.  However, if both people are present and the other does not consent, then the one who does not controls.

Term
What is the legal standard for a stop and frisk (Terry stop)?
Definition
Police officer has reasonable suspicion of criminal activity . Scope is limited to pat down to check for weapons. Frisk is justified by concern for officer's safety.
Term
Admissibility of weapons and non-weapons found at a stop and frisk (Terry stop)
Definition
Weapons are always admissible as long as the stop was reasonable. Admissibility of non-weapons depend on how much like a weapon or contraband could it have appeared from the outside
Term
What is the standard for an inventory search?
Definition
Before incarceration of an arrestee, the police may search 1) the arrestee's personal belongings, and/or 2) the arrestee's entire vehicle
Term
Can public school children be randomly drug tested?
Definition
Yes, if they are participating in extra-curricular activities (sports, school dance)
Term
When there is an investigation for violation of school rules, what can be searched?
Definition
A children's affects, such as purses and/or backpacks
Term
What are the 3 conditions for a school search to be reasonable?
Definition

1) it offers a moderate chance of finding evidence of wrongdoing

 

2) the measures adopted to carry out the search are reasonably related

 

3) the search is not excessively intrusive in light of age and sex of student and nature of the infraction

Term
Warrantless search - hot pursuit and evanescent evidence
Definition
Police in hot pursuit of fleeing felon may make a warrantless search and seizure and may pursue suspect into private dwelling. Police may seize evidence likely to disappear before warrant can be obtained.
Term
Does the Fourth Amendment offer protections at the border?
Definition
No
Term
What is the exception to the requirement for a warrant to wiretap or eavesdrop?
Definition
A speaker assumes the risk that the person to whom he is talking is an informer wired for sound or taping the conversation.  A speaker has no 4th Amendment claim if he makes no attempt to keep the conversation private
Term
What is the trigger for required Miranda warnings?
Definition
custodial interrogation
Term
What is the standard for custody in "custodial interrogation"?  Is it subjective or objective?
Definition

You are in custody if, at the time of interrogation, you are not free to leave (police car, jail, confined to hospital bed)

 

It is an objective standard

 

NOTE:  probation interviews and routine traffic stops are NOT custodial

Term
What is the standard for "interrogation" in "custodial interrogation"?
Definition
Any conduct where the police knew or should have known that they might elicit an incriminating response from the suspect
Term
What is required for a waiver of Miranda rights (3 things)?  What standard to evaluate?
Definition
The waiver must be knowing, voluntary, and intelligent.  The court will use the totality of the circumstances standard to evaluate
Term
Standard for invoking right to remain silent and right to counsel
Definition
Must be unambiguous
Term
How can the police reinitiate questioning after invoking right to remain silent (3 elements)?
Definition

1) wait significant amount of time

2) re-mirandirize person they want to question

3) questions are limited to crime that was subject to earlier questioning

Term
What happens if an accused invokes his right to counsel unambiguously?
Definition

police questioning must stop until:

1) the accused is given an attorney, or

2) the accused initiates further questioning

2) accused is released from custodial interrogation and 14 days have passed

Term
Do Miranda violations apply to evidence used for impeachment?
Definition
Yes
Term
When and where does the 6th amendment guarantee the right to counsel?
Definition

In all criminal proceedings, which include all critical stages of a prosecution AFTER judicial proceedings have begun (e.g., formal charges have been filed)

 

It prohibts the police from deliberately eliciting an incriminating statement from a defendant outside the presence of counsel after the defendant has been charged unless he has waived his right to counsel.

Term
When does the 5th amendment right to counsel arise (only 1 circumstance!)?
Definition
When a suspect on hearing the Miranda warnings says "I want a lawyer" - Supreme Court interpreted this to mean that the suspect needs the help of an attorney with the process of custodial police interrogation.
Term
Sixth Amendment right to counsel is offense specific.  What does this mean?
Definition
Even though 6th Am rights have attached regarding charge for which D is held, he can be questioned regarding unrelated, uncharged offenses without violating the 6th Am.
Term
Does a suspect have a right to the presence of an attorney at a post-charge lineup? When is there no right to counsel?
Definition
Yes. No right at photo identifications, or where police take blood samples / handwriting samples / fingerprints
Term
Does a suspect have a right to the presence of an attorney when police take physical evidence (handwriting, fingerprints)?
Definition
No
Term
When is due process denied during an identification (2 necessary characteristics)
Definition

1) the lineup is unnecessarily suggestive, and

2) there is a substantial likelihood of misidentification

Term
What is the remedy for denail of pretrial due process in an identification?  When can state defeat remedy?
Definition

Exclude the in-court identification.  The victim or witness will NOT be allowed to identify the person in court.

 

State can defeat remedy by showing an adequate independent source for that identification (independent of bad line up)

Term
When are bail issues appealable?
Definition
immediately
Term
Grand jury trials - 3 major distinctions from criminal trials
Definition

1) witness has no right to have counsel present

2) grand jury may consider evidence that would be excluded at criminal trial (due to exclusionary rule, hearsay)

3) witness must appear when called, but can refuse to answer questions

Term

A failure to disclose exculpatory information will constitute grounds for reversing a conviction if... (2 necessary conditions)

 

 

Definition

1) the evidence is favorable to the defendant, and

2) prejudice has resulted, meaning that there is a reasonable probability that the result would have been different had the information been disclosed

Term
When is a judge biased?
Definition
A judge is biased when they are shown to have 1) actual malice against the D, or 2) to have a financial interest in having the trial result in a guilty verdict
Term
When does right to jury trial attach?
Definition
When the length of the maximum authorized sentence exceeds 6 months
Term
What is the cross-sectional requirement for a jury?  What must D prove to show the right to a trial by jury is violated?
Definition
The jury must represent a cross-section of the community.  D must show that the underreprentation of a distinct and numerically significant group in the venire.
Term
What are peremptory challenges, and when are they unconstitutional?
Definition
A peremptory challenge is a challenge to exclude a prospective juror for any reason whatsoever. These challenges are unconstitutional when they are for the juror's race or gender.
Term
Right to speedy trial
Definition
Once a defendant has been arrested or charged, there must be a speedy trial. Evaluated by a totality of the circumstances - length of delay, reason for delay, prejudice to defendant.
Term
Competency to stand trial - judge's constitutional obligation
Definition
If it appears to the judge that the D might be incompetent, the judge has a constitutional obligation to conduct further inquiry and determine whether in fact the D is incompetent
Term
What is the rule for ineffective assistance of counrsel?
Definition

1) deficient performance by counsel (particular errors!), and

2) but-for the deficiency, the result of the proceeding would have been different

Term
Rule for right to self-representation
Definition
A defendant has the right to defend himself so long as his waiver of trial counsel is knowing and intelligent, and he is competent to proceed pro se
Term
6th Am right to confront witnesses - exception
Definition
The absence of confrontation may be allowed when it serves an important public purpose, and the reliability of the witness is otherwise assured (Ex:  trial testifying in sexual abuse case)
Term
6th Am right to confront witnesses - introducing co-defendant's confession
Definition

The right to confrontation prohibits use of the statement (even when it interlocks with the defendant's own confession), unless

1) all portions referring to the other defendant can be eliminated

2) confessing defendant takes the stand and is cross-examined about truth of statement

3) confession of nontestifying co-D is being used to rebut the defendant's claim that his confession was obtained coercively

Term
6th Am Confrontation Clause - prior testimonial statement of unavailable witness - when allowed?
Definition
1) declarant is unavailable, and 2) D had an opportunity to cross-examine declarant at time statement was made. Testimonial = prelim hearing, jury hearing, formal trial, police interrogation, but NOT interrogations during ongoing emergency
Term
If someone pleads guilty, what must judge and court do?
Definition

Judge must address the D on the record about:

1) the nature of the charge

2) the maximum authorized penalty and/or mandatory minimum penalty

3) D has a right to plead not guilty and demand a trial

Term
What are the 4 bases for withdrawing a guilty plea after a sentence?
Definition

1) plea was involuntary (prosecutor's threat, ineffective assistance of counsel)

2) lack of jurisdiction

3) ineffective assistance of counsel

4) failure of prosecutor to keep an agreed upon plea bargain

Term
General rules for guilty plea and plea bargaining
Definition
The Supreme Court will not disturb a guilty plea after sentencing, and treats plea bargaining like a contract (both sides are held to whatever the deal is)
Term
When does jeopardy attach?
Definition
When jury is sworn (in a jury trial), when the first witness is sworn (in a bench trial). Jeopardy does not attach when the proceedings are civil
Term
General rule for double jeopardy
Definition
Once jeopardy attaches, the defendant may not be retried for the same offense by the same sovereign (state / federal government). Generally, 2 crimes do not constitute the same offense when each require proof of an additional element that the other does not.
Term
Exceptions to double jeopardy permitting retrial
Definition

1) hung jury (can't decide)

2) mistrial for manifiest necessity (Ex:  appendicitus)

3) retrial after a successful appeal

4) breach of an agreed upon plea bargain

Term
When do 2 crimes not constitute the same offense (double jeopardy)
Definition
When each of the crimes require proof of an additional element that the other does not
Term
Rule for retrial on greater offense in double jeopardy
Definition
Double Jeopardy Clause prohibits a D whose conviction has been reversed on appeal for any offense more serious than that for which she was convicted at the first trial.
Term
Double jeopardy - lesser included offenses, exceptions
Definition
Being put in jeopardy for a greater offense bars retrial of a lesser included offense, UNLESS 1) there is new evidence b/c unlawful conduct has not occurred yet or discovered, 2) you are tried/convicted of battery and person later dies (can then be prosecuted for murder)
Term
Double jeopardy - separate sovereigns
Definition
A person may be tried for the same conduct by both the state and federal governments, or by two states, BUT not by a state and its municipalities
Term
When can the 5th Amendment privilege against self incrimination be asserted?
Definition

In any type of case when anyone is asked a question under oath, wherein the response might incriminate him.

 

NOTE:  must assert privilege 1st time ? is asked

Not claiming privilege in civil proceedings waived in later criminal prosecution

Term
What is the scope of the 5th amendment right against self incrimination?
Definition
The 5th am protects citizens from compelled (forced) testimony, but does NOT protect from having govt use physical evidence in ways to incriminate them (blood, handwriting, voice, hair)
Term
5th Am and prosecutorial conduct - cannot make comment on, can make comment on
Definition
Prosecutor cannot comment on D's failure to testify or choosing to remain silent, BUT can comment in response to defense counsel's assertion that defendant was not allowed to explain his side of the story
Term
When a prosecutor comments on D's silence, what test applies?
Definition
The harmless error test
Term
5th Am - elimination of privilege (may be compelled to answer when...)
Definition

1) grant of immunity from prosecution

2) no possibility of incrimination (SOL has run)

3) waiver

Term
When can the 5th amendment privilege against self-incrimination be eliminated?
Definition
When there is:
1) a grant of immunity (promise that the gov't will not use your testimony or any evidence derived from that testimony to convict you
2) no possibility of incrimination (statute of limitations has run), and
3) waiver of immunity
Term
5th Am - "use and derivative use" immunity
Definition
"use and derivative use" immunity guarantees that the witness's testimony and evidence located by testimony will not be used against witness, UNLESS evidence was derived from independent source
Term
Rules for death penalty
Definition
There can be no automatic category for imposition of the death penalty, a statute may not limit mitigating factors of admissibility of mitigating evidence, and only a jury may determine the aggravating factors justifying imposition of penalty
Term
When does the totality of the circumstances test apply?
Definition
1) judging reliability of informants
2) reasonable suspicion for Terry stops
3) Miranda waivers
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