PrepTest 124

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Weaken

Stimulus Summary:
Delayed trials can make criminals feel invulnerable. Speedy punishment can make criminals think twice before breaking the law. So a system that tries and punishes criminals quickly is a deterrent to violent crime.

Answer Anticipation:
If you didn't spot that first sentence as the conclusion when you first read it, then you're in good company! However, it is an opinion on what could make a judicial system effective, and the following two statements explore what would be the case with and without such a system, justifying it as the conclusion.

The assumption can also be difficult to find here, but there are two "tells" connected here that hint at a specific flaw—the premise is conditioned on potential violent criminals knowing about this swift punishment. If those criminals aren't aware of, or aren't thinking of, this swift punishment when they're about to commit a crime, then the condition on that premise isn't met and the crime wouldn't be deterred.

Any answer that calls that into question will serve to weaken this argument.

Answer Explanation:
This answer establishes that the potential violent criminals haven't planned out their crime, and if a crime is committed in the heat of the moment, then thinking about the consequences and being deterred is unlikely. This answer calls into question the effectiveness of the system at deterring violent crime, so it weakens the argument.

Key Takeaway:
Whenever an argument discusses the subjective view of individuals, pay attention, as it's likely related to the flaw. Noting that this stimulus talked about what potential criminals "know" was the hint we needed to find the flaw.

Incorrect. First, there's no indication that a swift judicial system is a sloppy one—it could still effectively prevent the conviction of innocent people. Second, the argument cares only about this system as a means to deter violent crime, not as a means of keeping innocent people out of jail. The conclusion is about only the effectiveness of such a system in deterring violent crime, not in leading to just outcomes.

Incorrect. A first-time offender could easily be aware of the swiftness of the justice system.

Incorrect. This argument isn't questioning that, just how speedy that trial should be and how much legal maneuvering is allowed.

Incorrect. By showing that the system, where in place, sees lower crime rates, this answer aligns with the argument.