b2 unit 12 questions

 

A

What kinds of things can convince all twelve members of the jury of the accused person´s guilt?

To convince all twelve members of the jury of the accused person´s guilt, evidence such as eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, and expert testimony can be used. Additionally, a strong argument from the prosecution can help to convince the jury.

 

What makes people commit serious crimes?

People commit serious crimes for a variety of reasons. These can include mental illness, poverty, peer pressure, or a lack of moral values.

 

What school rules did you have to follow? How did you feel about them?

When I was in school, I had to follow rules such as no talking during class, no running in the hallways, and no eating in class. I felt that these rules were necessary to maintain order and respect in the school environment.

 

Why are expert witnesses called during a trial?

Expert witnesses are called during a trial to provide specialized knowledge or expertise on a particular subject matter that is relevant to the case. They are used to provide an unbiased opinion on matters that may be difficult for jurors to understand without assistance.

 

What are the harms of parents smacking their children, which is an example of corporal punishment?

The harms of parents smacking their children include physical pain and injury, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological damage. It can also lead to increased aggression in children and an increased likelihood of criminal behaviour later in life.

 

Everyone should have the right to a fair trial, but do they in your country?

In my country everyone has the right to a fair trial according to our constitution; however, there are still cases where this right is not respected due to corruption or other factors.

 

Why does society need to make sure that everyone who breaks the law and deserves to be punished actually gets punished regardless of their social status?

Society needs to make sure that everyone who breaks the law and deserves to be punished actually gets punished regardless of their social status because it helps maintain justice and fairness within society by ensuring that those who commit crimes are held accountable for their actions regardless of their wealth or power.

 

Why must governments be allowed to introduce, change and scrap laws? What are the obstacles in their way?

Governments must be allowed to introduce, change and scrap laws because it allows them to respond quickly when new issues arise or when existing laws become outdated or ineffective. The main obstacle they face is public opinion; if people disagree with proposed changes then it can be difficult for governments to pass them into law.

 

What do you think it´s like being imprisoned for years in a cell?

Being imprisoned for years in a cell would likely be extremely difficult both mentally and physically due to the lack of freedom and contact with other people as well as limited access to resources such as books or entertainment options.

 

Why is it important that justice is seen to be done in society?

It is important that justice is seen to be done in society because it helps maintain public trust in government institutions such as courts by showing that everyone is treated fairly regardless of their social status or wealth.

 

Are you in favour of capital punishment/a death sentence?

No, I am not in favour of capital punishment/a death sentence because I believe it goes against basic human rights principles such as respect for life and dignity which should apply even when someone has committed a serious crime.

 

Besides spies, who else should be sentenced to life imprisonment?

Besides spies, people who have committed genocide or other mass atrocities should also be sentenced to life imprisonment due to their extreme nature which warrants severe punishment even if they cannot receive capital punishment due to legal restrictions on its use.

 

If you were one of the witnesses who watched some robbers speeding off in a getaway car, would you follow them?

If I were one of the witnesses who watched some robbers speeding off in a getaway car then I would not follow them because doing so could put me at risk if they were armed or dangerous criminals; instead, I would call the police so they could apprehend them safely without putting anyone else at risk.

 

When the judge shouts ´Silence in court´ angrily and someone continues talking, what happens to them?

When the judge shouts ´Silence in court´ angrily and someone continues talking then they may face consequences such as being held in contempt of court which could result in fines or even jail time depending on how serious their offence was deemed/considered by the judge.

B

Why do some people become football hooligans?

Some people become football hooligans because they are passionate about their team and want to show their support in a more aggressive way. They may also be looking for a sense of belonging or identity, or they may be seeking an outlet for their aggression.

 

If the accused doesn´t agree with the guilty verdict, what can they do about it?

If the accused doesn’t agree with the guilty verdict, they can appeal the decision in a higher court. This means that the case will be heard again by a different judge and jury, who will review all of the evidence and make a new decision.

 

What is the difference between a burglar, robber, thief, pickpocket and shoplifter?

A burglar is someone who breaks into a building with the intention of stealing something. A robber is someone who uses force or threats to take something from another person. A thief is someone who steals something without using force or threats. A pickpocket is someone who steals from another person’s pocket or bag without them noticing. A shoplifter is someone who steals items from a store without paying for them.

 

How certain does the evidence have to be for you to consider someone guilty?

The evidence has to be very strong and convincing for me to consider someone guilty of a crime. It should include multiple pieces of evidence that all point towards the same conclusion, such as eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, and/or circumstantial evidence.

 

Do you know anyone who has been a suspect in a crime?

Yes, I know several people who have been suspects in crimes but were never charged with anything due to a lack of evidence or other factors.

 

How would someone feel if the jury found them not guilty of all the charges?

If the jury found them not guilty of all charges, they would likely feel relieved and vindicated after going through such an ordeal.

 

How common is it for someone to be prosecuted for a crime they didn´t commit?

It is not very common for someone to be prosecuted for a crime they didn’t commit; however, it does happen on occasion due to mistakes made by law enforcement officials or other factors beyond their control.

 

What skills are important in a solicitor/a lawyer?

Important skills for solicitors/lawyers include excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, research skills, attention to detail, knowledge of legal procedures and regulations, and strong interpersonal skills.

 

Have you ever seen anyone arrested?

Yes, I have seen people arrested before; usually, it involves police officers handcuffing them and taking them away in a police car while onlookers watch in shock or confusion.

 

Why do some people become vandals?

Some people become vandals because they are looking for an outlet for their anger or frustration; they may also do it as an act of rebellion against authority figures or society as a whole. Moreover, some people may vandalize property simply because it’s fun or exciting for them to do so without any real thought about the consequences of their actions.

 

Are you really innocent until proven guilty in your system/society?

In most systems/societies around the world today you are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; however, this can vary depending on where you live and what laws are in place there at any given time.

 

If the police feel sure a person is guilty, they charge the person with the crime. Now, if the person is found innocent, should the police have to apologise or compensate the person somehow?

If the police feel sure that a person is guilty but then find out that they are innocent after charging them with the crime then no apology or compensation should be necessary as long as there was no malicious intent on behalf of law enforcement officials involved in making this mistake (i.e., if it was simply an honest mistake).

 

Why are some communities still allowed to be persecuted in this day and age?

Unfortunately, some communities are still allowed to be persecuted due to racism, sexism, homophobia, etc., which can lead to unequal access to resources such as education and healthcare as well as discrimination when it comes to employment opportunities, etc.. This type of persecution needs to end if we want everyone in our society to have equal rights regardless of race/gender/sexual orientation etc.

 

What are the accused person’s/defendant’s rights?

The accused person’s/defendant’s rights include the right to remain silent during questioning by law enforcement officials; the right not to incriminate themselves; the right not to have unreasonable searches conducted on their property; the right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment; and finally the right not be tried twice (double jeopardy) for the same crime if acquitted previously by court order

 

 

C

Why don´t many witnesses come forward?

Many witnesses may not come forward due to fear of retribution or because they do not want to get involved in the legal process.

 

If you saw two robbers making off on a motorbike, should you try to stop them?

It is not advisable to try and stop two robbers on a motorbike as it could be dangerous. It is best to call the police and provide them with a description of the robbers and their vehicles.

 

Why don´t the authorities look into allegations of corruption in the government properly?

The authorities may not look into allegations of corruption in the government properly due to a lack of resources, political pressure, or other factors.

 

What do you think of the government bringing in/out a law to allow on-the-spot fines for hooligans?

I think that bringing in/out a law to allow on-the-spot fines for hooligans is a good idea as it can help deter people from engaging in anti-social behaviour.

 

What has made it more difficult for robbers to hold up banks compared to the way they used to in the past?

Banks have made it more difficult for robbers to hold up banks compared to the past by introducing security measures such as CCTV cameras, bulletproof glass, and armed guards.

 

Talk about a movie about prisoners planning their escape and finally breaking out of prison.

The movie I am thinking of is called “The Shawshank Redemption”. It tells the story of Andy Dufresne, who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to prison. He then plans his escape with his fellow inmates and eventually succeeds in breaking out of prison.

 

If you saw a policewoman chasing after a pickpocket, would you help her bring them to the ground and arrest them?

Yes, I would help the policewoman bring the pickpocket to the ground and arrest them if I saw them being chased after.

 

How does the bomb disposal squad feel while they are defusing the bomb preventing it from going off?

The bomb disposal squad would likely feel a great deal of pressure while they are defusing the bomb as they are responsible for preventing it from going off and potentially causing harm or destruction.

 

 

D

Should a person hand in a wallet they had found full of money?

Yes, a person should hand in a wallet they had found full of money. It is the right thing to do and it is important, to be honest, and responsible.

 

Should you back down from stubborn people even if you are right?

No, you should not back down from stubborn people even if you are right. It is important to stand up for yourself and your beliefs, but it is also important to be respectful and try to find a compromise.

 

Why do some people get away with crimes/things while others don´t?

Some people get away with crimes/things while others don´t because of the different laws in different countries or states, or because of differences in the way that the law is enforced.

 

In which situations do the police stop people and take down their names and address?

The police stop people and take down their names and address in situations where they suspect that a crime has been committed or when they are investigating a crime.

 

What kinds of crimes should a person be let off for with a warning?

Crimes that should be let off with a warning include minor offences such as shoplifting, vandalism, public intoxication, or minor drug possession.

 

How do fraudsters/conmen take in people?

Fraudsters/conmen take in people by using deception or manipulation to get them to give away their money or personal information. They often use false promises or stories to make their victims believe that they will benefit from giving away their money or information.

 

 

E

How do you deal with people putting the blame on you?

When people put the blame on me, I try to remain calm and explain why I am not responsible for the situation. I also try to provide evidence or facts that support my position.

 

If someone had no intention of admitting they had lied to you, how would you deal with the situation?

If someone has no intention of admitting they have lied to me, I would try to remain calm and ask them Questions in order to get more information about the situation. I would also try to provide evidence or facts that support my position.

 

Is it necessary to set a burglar alarm in your house in your area?

It is necessary to set a burglar alarm in your house in your area if you want to protect your property from theft. Burglar alarms are an effective way of deterring criminals and can help alert authorities if a break-in occurs.

 

If the judge gave you permission to call a surprise witness, how would this make them feel who you are fighting?

If the judge gave me permission to call a surprise witness, it could make the person I am fighting feel uneasy and uncertain about their case. It could also make them feel like they are not prepared for the trial and that their case is not as strong as they thought it was.

 

What can you do to find out who was at fault when something goes wrong at home/work?

To find out who was at fault when something goes wrong at home/work, it is important to investigate the situation thoroughly and gather all relevant information. This includes talking with witnesses, reviewing documents, and examining any physical evidence that may be available. It is also important to consider all possible scenarios before making any conclusions about who was at fault.

 

Have you ever mistaken someone for another person? Vice versa

Yes, I have mistaken someone for another person before. Similarly, someone has mistaken me for another person as well. Mistaking someone for another person can be embarrassing but it can also be a funny experience depending on how you handle it!

 

Why should/shouldn´t judges take children into account when sentencing their parents?

Judges should take children into account when sentencing their parents because children are often affected by their parents’ actions and decisions. Sentencing parents harshly could have a negative impact on children’s mental health and well-being, so judges should consider this when making decisions about sentencing parents.

 

Talk about a time when a plan of yours went wrong/went well.

A time when one of my plans went well was when I planned a surprise birthday party for my friend last year. Everything went according to plan – from decorating the venue with balloons and streamers, ordering food from our favorite restaurant, and organizing games – everything went smoothly! Everyone had a great time and my friend was really surprised!

 

We need prisons in order to keep society safe from dangerous criminals, but what can we do to make sure that people don´t become dangerous criminals in the first place?

To prevent people from becoming dangerous criminals in the first place we need to invest in education programs that teach young people about crime prevention strategies such as conflict resolution skills and anger management techniques. We should also invest in social programs that provide resources such as job training opportunities or mentorship programs for those who are at risk of becoming involved in criminal activities due to poverty or lack of opportunity.

 

If people take advantage of the loopholes in the tax law, are they breaking the law?

Yes, people who take advantage of loopholes in tax law are breaking the law because they are avoiding paying taxes that they legally owe according to their income level or other factors such as investments or property ownership status, etc. This type of behavior is illegal and punishable by law so it is important for people to understand their tax obligations before attempting any type of tax avoidance scheme or loophole exploitation activity.

 

 

F

Have you ever seen anyone get accused of/get blamed for shoplifting?

Yes, I have seen people get accused of shoplifting before.

 

What should happen to someone who is arrested for shoplifting?

Someone who is arrested for shoplifting should be brought to court and face the consequences of their actions.

 

What should happen to people who are charged with theft/are taken to court for theft?

People who are charged with theft should be given a fair trial and the appropriate punishment if found guilty.

 

How would you deal with your kid who denied/didn’t admit to doing something they were accused of?

If my kid denied doing something they were accused of, I would talk to them calmly and try to understand why they are denying it. I would also try to find out the truth by asking Questions and listening carefully to their answers.

 

If you doubted whether a friend was guilty/culpable of betrayal/deception or not, how would this doubt affect your relationship?

If I doubted whether a friend was guilty of betrayal or not, it would definitely affect our relationship as trust is an important part of any friendship. I would try to talk to them about it and see if we can resolve the issue together.

 

If you caught a glimpse of/spotted/saw someone shoplifting, would you alert the shopkeeper or quietly try to stop the shoplifter?

If I caught a glimpse of someone shoplifting, I would alert the shopkeeper immediately so that they can take appropriate action against the shoplifter.

 

What can you do to make sure that your kids´ friends are not able to make them steal something from a shop?

To make sure that my kids´ friends are not able to make them steal something from a shop, I would talk to my kids about the importance of honesty and integrity and explain why stealing is wrong. Furthermore, I would also keep an eye on their friends when they are together in public places like shops or malls.

 

What would you say to a person who says that they were made/forced to commit a crime?

To someone who says that they were made/forced to commit a crime, I would tell them that no one has the right to force them into doing something illegal or immoral and that they should seek help from authorities if needed.

 

What are things that are illegal for people to do while/whilst driving?

Some things that are illegal for people to do while driving include texting or talking on the phone, drinking alcohol, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving without insurance.

 

 

G

Which athlete do you have a lot of respect for?

I have a lot of respect for Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter who holds the world record for the 100m and 200m sprints. He is an inspiration to athletes all over the world.

 

Do you know an athlete who was claiming that drugs were damaging sports and they themselves were taking them?

Yes, I know of an athlete who was claiming that drugs were damaging sports and they themselves were taking them. Lance Armstrong, the former professional cyclist, admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs during his career.

 

If an athlete were found guilty of taking banned body-enhancing substances, what should happen to them?

If an athlete were found guilty of taking banned body-enhancing substances, they should be given a severe punishment such as a lengthy ban from competing in their sport or even a lifetime ban. This would send a strong message that cheating will not be tolerated in sports.

 

What do you think of IAA threatening to ban future drug takers for life?

I think it is a good idea for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to threaten to ban future drug takers for life. This will act as a deterrent and hopefully discourage athletes from taking banned substances in order to gain an unfair advantage over their competitors.

 

Talk about something you refuse to accept in sports.

I refuse to accept any form of cheating or doping in sports. It is unfair to other athletes who are competing cleanly and it undermines the integrity of sports as a whole.

 

Talk about some sports people who are infamous for bringing sport into disrepute.

There are many sports people who are infamous for bringing sport into disrepute due to their involvement with drugs or other forms of cheating. Some examples include Marion Jones, Ben Johnson, and Lance Armstrong who have all been found guilty of taking banned substances during their careers.

 

 

 

H

What do you think of sending young offenders to prison?

Sending young offenders to prison is a controversial issue, as it can be argued that it does not provide an effective solution to the problem of crime. On the one hand, it can be argued that prison provides a deterrent effect and can help to protect society from further criminal activity. On the other hand, there is evidence to suggest that prison can have a negative impact on young offenders, leading to further criminal behaviour and recidivism. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to send young offenders to prison should be based on an individual assessment of each case.

 

Why do some people still believe in things without there being no solid proof?

Some people may believe in things without there being any solid proof because they are looking for something to believe in or because they have faith in something greater than themselves. In addition, some people may believe in things without proof because they are seeking comfort or security in uncertain times. Finally, some people may believe in things without proof because they are looking for answers or explanations for events that cannot be explained by science or logic.

 

Why shouldn´t a person say a word in a police station until they´ve spoken to their lawyer?

A person should not say a word in a police station until they have spoken to their lawyer because anything they say could potentially be used against them in court. In addition, speaking with a lawyer first will ensure that the person understands their rights and is aware of any potential consequences of speaking with the police before making any statements. Furthermore, having legal representation present during questioning can help protect against any potential coercion or manipulation by law enforcement officers.

 

What do you think about people who make accusations without evidence?

People who make accusations without evidence are often seen as irresponsible and untrustworthy as their claims cannot be verified and could potentially lead to false convictions or other injustices. Moreover, making accusations without evidence can damage someone’s reputation and create unnecessary conflict between individuals or groups of people. Therefore, it is important for people to only make accusations when there is sufficient evidence available to support them.

 

Compare and contrast a police officer with a private investigator.

Police officers and private investigators both work towards solving crimes but do so in different ways. Police officers are employed by government agencies and have authority over citizens within their jurisdiction; they investigate crimes using methods such as surveillance and interrogation while also enforcing laws through arrests and citations when necessary. Private investigators are hired by individuals or organizations; they typically conduct investigations using more discreet methods such as background checks and undercover operations while also providing services such as asset searches and locating missing persons when needed.

 

How successful is imprisonment in showing an inmate the error of their ways?

Imprisonment has had mixed success when it comes to showing inmates the error of their ways; while some inmates may learn from their mistakes while incarcerated, others may become hardened criminals due to the environment within prisons which can lead them into further criminal activity upon release. In addition, imprisonment does not always provide inmates with access to rehabilitation programs that could help them reintegrate into society upon release; this lack of access can lead inmates back into criminal behaviour once released from prison due to the lack of resources available outside of prison walls.

 

What kinds of people are sent to a maximum security prison?

People who are sent to maximum security prisons typically include those who have committed serious crimes such as murder or armed robbery; those who have been convicted multiple times for similar offences; those who pose a risk of escape due to their violent nature; those who pose a risk of harm towards other inmates due to mental illness; those who pose a risk towards society due to past criminal behaviour; and those who require specialised care due to physical disabilities or mental health issues which cannot be provided at lower security levels within prisons.

 

What are the harms of lying and dishonesty?

The harms associated with lying and dishonesty include damaging relationships between individuals due to mistrust caused by lies; creating confusion amongst groups due to conflicting information caused by lies; damaging one’s reputation if caught lying; creating legal issues if caught lying under oath; creating financial issues if caught lying about finances; creating emotional distress if caught lying about personal matters; creating social issues if caught lying about social matters; and creating professional issues if caught lying about professional matters such as qualifications or experience levels.

 

What was investigating a crime like before modern forensic evidence?

Investigating crimes before modern forensic evidence was much more difficult than it is today as investigators had limited tools at their disposal such as eyewitness accounts, physical evidence collected at crime scenes (e.g., fingerprints), interviews with suspects/witnesses/victims, etc., analysis of documents (e.g., handwriting analysis), use of informants, etc. As such investigations were often lengthy processes that relied heavily on detective work rather than scientific methods used today which allow investigators access to much more detailed information regarding crime scenes/suspects etc.

 

Could you tell the difference between an original painting and a forgery?

It would be difficult for most people to tell the difference between an original painting and a forgery unless they had extensive knowledge regarding art history/techniques used by particular artists etc. As such most people would need assistance from an expert art appraiser/conservator etc. In order for them accurately determine whether an artwork was genuine or not based on factors such as brush strokes/colours used/signature style etc.

 

What would be your recommendations for treating drug addiction in society?

My recommendations for treating drug addiction in society would include providing access to free treatment programs (e.g., counselling/therapy) for addicts so that they can receive support during the recovery process; increasing public awareness regarding dangers associated with drug use through education campaigns aimed at both adults & children alike so that fewer people become addicted in the first place & existing addicts receive help sooner rather than later; providing support networks (e.g., peer-support groups) so that addicts feel less isolated & more likely seek help; increasing availability & accessibility rehabilitation facilities so that addicts receive appropriate care; & introducing harsher punishments (e.g., jail time) for dealers & traffickers so that supply chain is disrupted & fewer drugs reach streets.

 

How common are robberies in your area?

Robberies are relatively uncommon in my area but they do occur occasionally; usually involving small businesses being targeted late at night when few staff members are present. As a result, the local police force has increased patrols around business districts during evening hours in order to deter potential criminals.

 

 If no one is born a thief, what turns some into one?

There are many factors that can turn someone into a thief including poverty; lack of education, peer pressure, mental health issues, substance abuse problems, and feeling entitled to take whatever they want without consequence, etc. As a result, these individuals may resort to stealing in order to meet their basic needs / gain material possessions / impress peers / feel powerful, etc. 

 

How would the conviction of a number of senior politicians for corruption affect the political system in your country?

The conviction of senior politicians for corruption would likely cause significant disruption in the political system of the country depending on the severity of offences committed. This could lead to the public losing faith in government officials resulting in decreased voter turnout in the elections / increased support for the opposition parties / increased scrutiny over government decisions / increased calls for reform in the political system in order to restore public confidence. 

 

Do you agree that the problem with prisons is that they are full of criminals who can teach new inmates all their tricks and skills?

I disagree that the problem with prisons is that they are full of criminals teaching new inmates tricks and skills since the majority of the prisoners are incarcerated for non-violent offences and are unlikely to teach others to commit violent crimes. Furthermore, prisons offer a variety of educational programs designed to rehabilitate inmates and prepare them to re-enter society upon release; thus reducing the likelihood of recidivism. 

 

Should a murderer be given the death penalty?

Whether a murderer should be given the death penalty depends on the jurisdiction of the country since some countries abolished the death penalty while others still retain the punishment for certain cases. Ultimately, the decision whether to impose the death penalty should be based on individual assessment of each case taking into account the severity of the offence committed, the age of the offender, the mental state of the offender, the time of the offence committed, etc.