Criminal Justice Practice Exam

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What is the practice of allowing police leadership to decide which laws to enforce called?

Selective enforcement
Limited discretion
High discretion
Full enforcement

The correct answer is: Selective enforcement

The practice of allowing police leadership to decide which laws to enforce is referred to as selective enforcement. This term describes the discretion that law enforcement agencies have in prioritizing certain laws over others, often based on factors such as resource availability, community needs, or the perceived seriousness of certain offenses. Selective enforcement recognizes that police cannot enforce every law equally or at all times due to limited resources, and therefore, they must make decisions about which laws to focus on. This can lead to variations in enforcement practices across different jurisdictions or even within the same department, influencing the overall effectiveness of law enforcement and its relationship with the community. Understanding selective enforcement is crucial as it highlights how law enforcement agencies can address practical on-ground realities and the implications that these decisions can have on public perception, community relations, and broader social justice issues.