Assignment:
Topic 1: Juvenile Waivers 1 page
Juvenile waivers have become a very controversial issue within the criminal justice system. Under the waiver system, juveniles can be transferred to the adult court system technically as young as 7 years of age. Once in the adult court system, juveniles can receive punishments up to life without the possibility of parole (LWOP). With the ruling in Roper v. Simmons (2005), many juveniles who previously would have received the death penalty are now being sentenced to LWOP and will be incarcerated for 60 to 70 years in many cases. With a growing movement to rehabilitate juveniles and a growing interest in restorative justice, do you believe that juveniles should be provided rehabilitation and/or potentially reduced sentences for their crimes? Explain your answer.
Topic 2: Research Discussion
Research and locate a news article or op-ed that addresses an issue you believe is relevant to the unit. This resource must address a critical or controversial issue. Please post the article and indicate why it is indeed a critical or controversial issue.
DNA Retention (4 to 5 pages)
The United Kingdom has begun a policy to collect and retain the DNA of juveniles involved in crime and recently came under fire for retaining the DNA for other juveniles who were never charged or convicted of an offense. Recently, the United States federal government has proposed a policy to collect DNA from anyone arrested by a federal law enforcement agent.
Create a position paper addressing the potential issues, both positive and negative, for the collection of DNA from citizens. Include examples to support your position.
Note: This Assignment will require outside research. Use at least two credible sources beyond the text material. Also discuss how you evaluated the credibility of the resources used.
You may consult the Library, the Internet, the textbook, other course materials, and any other outside resources in supporting your task, using proper citations in APA style.