Assignment:
Choose a topic and pick a position, either pro or con.
Requirements:
Choose a topic from the list below and begin your research.
Pick one side of the issue - this will be the focus of your presentation.
Fully research your topic. This is not based on opinion. Although you may have an opinion on the issue, you need research/empirical data to support your position. This is an academic assignment.
Create a 10 to 15 slides - this does not include your cover slide or your reference slide.
TOPICS
1. DEATH PENALTY
PRO: The death penalty provides an effective method to obtain justice.
CON: The death penalty does not serve as an effective method for obtaining justice.
2. SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
PRO: Solitary confinement is an effective method of correctional discipline.
CON: Solitary confinement is an ineffective method of correctional punishment and is equivalent to cruel and unusual punishment.
3. MANDATORY HEALTH CARE
PRO: Inmates should have a constitutional right to healthcare.
CON: Inmates should not have a constitutional right to healthcare.
COLLEGE PROGRAMMING FOR INMATES
PRO: Inmates should be allowed access to college programming while incarcerated
CON: Inmates should not be allowed access to college programming while incarcerated
COLLEGE DEGREES FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS
PRO: All correctional officers should be required to possess a college degree to perform their job well.
CON: It is unnecessary for correctional officers to possess a college degree to perform their job well.
NURSEY PROGRAM
PRO: Nursery programs in prison are essential to preserve the mother-child bond.
CON: Nursery programs are inappropriate for the prison environment.
PRISON FACILITIES SHOULD BE GENDER-SPECIFIC TO CORRECTIONAL STAFF
PRO: Only male officers should be allowed to work in male facilities and only female officers should be allowed to work in female facilities.
CON: It is beneficial for male officers to work with female inmates and for female officers to work with male inmates.
8. CONJUGAL VISITS/FAMILY PRESERVATION PROGRAMS
PRO: Conjugal visitation should be allowed for prisoners.
CON: Conjugal visitation should not be allowed for prisoners.
COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMING
PRO: Community-based correctional programs are an effective method of punishment and have a significant effect on recidivism and reintegration.
CON: Community-based correctional programs are an ineffective method of punishment and have no effect on recidivism and reintegration.
HIRING THE FORMERLY INCARCERATED
PRO: Agencies and organizations should be encouraged to hire ex-offenders.
CON: Ex-offenders are a detriment to the work environment and a liability to employers.
11. MANDATORY HIV TESTING
PRO: All inmates should be tested for HIV.
CON: Inmates should only be tested for HIV on a voluntary basis.
PRIVATIZED CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
PRO: Privatized correctional facilities are managed as effective as state or federally managed facilities and save money.
CON: Privatized facilities have proven ineffective; all correctional facilities should be state or federally managed.
FELONY RECORDS
PRO: A person's felony record should be retained for their entire life.
CON: After a period of time, an individual's felony record should be expunged.
CIVIL COMMITMENT OF SEX OFFENDERS
PRO: All sex offenders should be subject to civil commitment following incarceration.
CON: Civil commitment violates double jeopardy and civil rights standards.
CHEMICAL CASTRATION OF SEX OFFENDERS
PRO: Sex offenders should be subjected to chemical castration to reduce the incidence of future sex crimes.
CON: Chemical castration constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and violates civil rights standards.