Assignment:
1. Considering the goal of our criminal justice system hinges on equity and fairness, do you feel it is truly possible to achieve a balance between maintaining individual rights and personal freedoms with crime control? When considering this, place yourself in the shoes of a law enforcement officer who has to not only protect the community, but also ensure our rights are preserved at the same time. Explain your reasoning.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. References or citations are not necessary.
2. Considering the crime control and due process models of our criminal justice system, do you feel it is possible to achieve a balance (both a reliable and efficient criminal justice process) at the same time? When considering your explanation, remember the differing goals that encompass both models. Explain your reasoning.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. References or citations are not necessary.
3. Many of the Supreme Court's decisions have been controversial over the years, and some people feel that the Court is overstepping its authority and trying to rewrite laws. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Explain your reasoning. How do you feel the Court's decisions affect the criminal justice system? When considering your entry, consider how the Courts can be influenced by personal or political agenda and how it can affect you as a citizen.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
4. As you have learned, sentencing plays a crucial role in the American criminal justice system. Without fair and equitable sentencing practices, every other element in the criminal justice process fails.
Considering the sentencing types we have examined, in your opinion, which one is most effective? Conversely, which type do you feel is the least effective? Explain your reasoning.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
5. As we have learned, the American correctional system is a critical element in the criminal justice process. Consider the role and the goals of our correctional system coupled with the rising inmate population, lack of funding, and lack of prison bed space that currently exist.
In your opinion, does the use of probation, parole, and community corrections seem to address the needs of our criminal justice system and provide a sound solution to such issues surrounding our correctional system? When considering your entry, remember that alternative sentencing still must serve as a deterrent. Explain your reasoning.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
6. As you have learned, the American criminal justice system relies heavily on technology. One such technological tool that has become more prevalent in recent years is the use of body cameras for patrol officers.
In your opinion, does the use of body cameras help or hinder our law enforcement officers if an incident should occur? Do you feel the use of body cameras influences the behavior, in either direction, of the patrol officer? Put yourself in the shoes of an officer; how would the use of body cameras influence your behavior? Explain your reasoning.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
7. As we have learned, the American criminal justice system has drastically changed in the wake of 9/11. We see a shift in all aspects of criminal justice where there is an evident link to homeland security.
In your opinion, how effective is community policing as it relates to domestic terror threats? Do you feel that such efforts to foster partnerships, build trust, and develop a rapport with the community are effective ways to combat terrorism within our communities? When considering your entry, think of the current domestic terror threat and how you could foster such relationships in the community to counter such threats as a law enforcement officer. Explain your reasoning.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary