Crime Policy Propositions

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that there are many get-tough-on-crime policies that are well intentioned in their attempts to keep our streets safe. The writer maintains, however, that if they are created in a knee jerk reaction fashion, well intentioned laws can lead to damaging the criminal justice system. The writer argues that these policies can create greater problems in already overcrowded prisons, causing some offenders to serve more time for the crimes other offenders have committed. In addition, the writer states that, while other policies such as proactive law enforcement strategies can produce the desired short-term effect of reducing crime, if they are not maintained, they become only a band-aid instead of a solution.

Outline:
Introduction
Proposition
Agreement
Proposition
Disagreement
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"When legislators suddenly go with a get tough on crime approach, it is usually a knee jerk reaction due to public outcry. Such reactions come when an individual or individuals commit a crime that is so heinous that it is beyond the public's comprehension. The debate of getting tough on crime, especially repeat offenders took center stage this July in Connecticut when two non-violent offenders robbed and murdered a mother and two children within a week of being released. Governor Jodi Rell has since suspended paroles of any violent offenders within the state. Connecticut's prisons were already facing overcrowding issues prior to this decision."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cloud, John. (1999). A Get-Tough Policy that Failed. Retrieved from: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,990105,00.html on November 6, 2007.
• Melone, Katie. (2007). Parole Attack from the Prisoner's Son. Retrieved from: http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-offender1031.artoct31,0,768169.story on November 6, 2007.

More papers on Crime Policy Propositions:

• Research Paper # 129095 : "International Treatment of War Crimes"
• Term Paper # 103157 : "Foundations of Crime Control Policy"
• Analytical Essay # 141134 : "Wittgenstein's Hinge Propositions"

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