The first class of the semester we discussed the goals of the criminal justice system. Think about what you personally think is the goal of the criminal justice system. Do you think the criminal justice system meets these goals?
Choose one policing strategy we discussed in class. Discuss the advantages of this strategy and what challenges come with implementing it.
A lower middle-class neighborhood with mostly Hispanic and Haitian immigrants has had a recent uptick in violent crime. A local gang appears to have been painting the houses and fences with graffiti, burglarizing houses, and getting into skirmishes with local teens, all under cover of dark due to many burnt out streetlamps. After these incidents, the perpetrators flee into the nearby woods. However, none of the residents have reported the incidents or called the police for help. In fact, the only reason this has come to your attention is that a police officer’s cousin lives in the neighborhood. If you were responsible for developing a strategy to prevent these incidents, what strategy or strategies would you implement? Give specific strategies discussed in class.
Criminal justice reformers in the United States advocate eliminating bail and eliminating mandatory minimums. Choose ONE of these topics. Do you agree or disagree that this practice should be eliminated? Why?
Prosecutors are often called the most powerful members of the criminal justice system. Why?
The death penalty is highly controversial in the United States. Think about the five goals of punishment that we discussed in class. Which of the five goals does the death penalty accomplish? List each of the five goals and discuss if the death penalty meets each one.
Describe one legal, one social, AND one personal barrier to prisoner reentry
Thinking about all the material we’ve covered this semester, what is one thing you wish more people knew about the US criminal justice system? Why? Your answer can come from policing, the courts, or corrections/re-entry.
