Janice Was Convicted of Aggravated Robbery

question 20

Multiple Choice

Janice was convicted of aggravated robbery. Typically in this jurisdiction those convicted of this crime receive between 4 and 7 years in prison. During her sentencing, the judge noted that she would be reducing the sentence for Janice to 1 year and a day because she was a woman. Is this permissible?

• A) Yes, women should be treated more leniently by the criminal justice system due to their docile nature.
• B) Yes, women are impacted by punishment more harshly than men so their sentences need not be harsh.
• C) No, sentences should be based on a defendant's act rather than identity.
• D) No, unless she has children to take care of at home.

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Definitions:

Primary Appraisal

An individual’s assessment of an event to determine whether its implications are positive, negative, or neutral.

Emotional Insulation

A psychological defense mechanism where individuals protect themselves from potentially distressing emotions by detachment or non-engagement.

Defensive Coping

Unconscious strategies that distort or deny the true nature of a situation.

Hardiness

A personality characteristic associated with a lower rate of stress-related illness.