Assignment:
Role of Correctional Systems
Are correctional institutions the last step in the total criminal justice system? Are their roles sufficiently established that rehabilitated individuals return to society? Discuss within the context of the infamous Canadian Homolka case. Have the goals of "justice" been achieved? Additional material can be found by doing a web search on "Karla Homolka". In summary:
The office of the attorney general concocted an infamous 1993 plea-bargain -- 12 years for two counts of manslaughter in exchange for testimony against her accomplice, Mr. Paul Bernardo, her husband at the time. The fact that Ms Homolka was set her free, with virtual impunity, haunts so many people. The National Parole Board assessment of Ms. Homolka, released in December 04 indicated that while she has made some progress towards rehabilitation, concerns remained that justified keeping her in prison until the last day of her sentence. Ms Homolka has "served her full time" and was released June/July 2005. While in prison she completed a university degree. Nevertheless, it is easy to identify with teenage victims Leslie Mahaffy, who would have turned 29 on the day Ms. Homolka was released, Kristen French, 15, and Ms. Homolka's own sister, Tammy, 15.