Abstract This paper examines both sides of the debate to legalize marijuana, particularly in light of recent ballot initiatives to decriminalize or loosen marijuana laws. The first part of the paper evaluates the arguments of those who favor keeping marijuana illegal, focusing on arguments of the gateway drug concept and the health dangers of marijuana use. The second part of the paper looks at the arguments for legalizing marijuana, especially for medicinal purposes.
From the Paper "The similarity between the pleasure-effects of marijuana and heroin and the severity of its withdrawal symptoms lends credence to the controversial "gateway" theory. Critics of legalization argue that marijuana users who do not choose to stop can very well become inured to the drug's pleasure effects. This may lead them to seek the same pleasure effects from stronger and deadlier drugs such as cocaine."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of how and why criminal gangs are formed. The writer uses theories of conformity and the elements of family life that contribute to the willingness of a teenager to join a gang and perform illegal acts. The paper explains that gangs act as one unit in many instances though they are individuals who commit the actual acts of crime. The paper points out that there are several social theories in operation when young men join gangs, with the main reason being the need to conform and not feeling like they fit in elsewhere.
From the Paper "Law enforcement officials are often faced with crimes that have been committed by gang members. The crimes can range from petty to extreme and can include everything from vandalism to murder. A teen girl who is almost abducted by a gang stands a chance to have serious harm committed to her because of some of the elements that cause gangs to form and to act once they are formed. There are many social theories that work in tandem when it comes to a gang and its members, and the combination of those theories provide the foundation that the gang is based in."
Abstract This paper discusses how the same leadership principles and skills that have been used to turn inefficient private organizations and military units into flourishing and effective ones can be used to transform police departments into dynamic and successful environments. It describes how many ineffective police practices have evolved and what must be done to change these management practices. It also looks at various leadership styles and how new policies can be implemented.
From the Paper "Police department officials play a large role in implementing new leadership practices. They must learn the basic leadership skills, such as patience, understanding, fairness, and judgment, and recognize that leadership is a crucial aspect of successful management. In addition, they must learn to let go of past and dated practices, such as public criticism, tactlessness, and unfairness, which are detrimental to police departments today. While many police leaders perceive themselves as being tough and authoritative, they must show consideration, caring, and loyalty to their employees. These are the values that produce positive results, including a higher degree of employee motivation and morale, and ultimately, more effective organizations."
Abstract Juvenile delinquency is a contemporary term for an old problem. One of the oldest relevant studies of the phenomenon is "social disorganization" theory, which was developed by the Chicago school of sociology in the 1920?s. The paper shows that this theory posits that there exist areas in a city in which traditional institutions have little or no control. This was studied in Chicago using a system of "Concentric Zones" which demonstrated that most of the crime in the city occurs within certain areas that are typically associated with poverty. The paper discusses studies done by Shaw and McKay in the 1940s which used this theory to show a strong association between census tracts and crime rates. The paper describes the theory and analyzes it, showing the arguments of those schools who utilize the theory as well as its critics.
From the Paper "She felt that court appearance was too narrow of a metric to judge delinquent behavior in children. She argues that the customs of diverse cultural groups are such that irrespective of the location of the groups in the city the proportions of their populations who come before the courts will inevitably vary. Robison's concept of delinquency is broader than Shaw?s, and extends to cover behavior, which is generically described as anti-social. She argues that that the higher the parental income the fewer the child's chances of coming into court. Robison's arguments would appear reasonable in its universality: view of the fact that the efficiency of various cultures in controlling the behavior of individuals can scarcely be measured in the same way."
Tags: central, business, district, transitional, zone
Abstract The debate over the death penalty continues to confront our society. This paper looks at the beliefs of the proponents and opponents of the death penalty and decides which side is the most suitable in today's society.
Abstract The following brief discussion considers the two sides of this issue. Initially, my support for affirmative action is outlined. Subsequently, the body of the paper considers responses to my position. A conclusion reiterates support for affirmative action in light of the arguments against it.
Abstract This paper examines the issue of minorities in police departments across the United States. The author discusses the history of minorities and women in law enforcement, examines police department racial diversity statistics, analyzes the influence of Affirmative Action in law enforcement, and measures its affect on minority communities.
This novel illuminates the inequality in colonial society, since it becomes a significant exception to the versions given by visitors from the upper-class. A side of colonial life, that remained hidden in the dominant discourse of the time, emerges right
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 35.95
Abstract This novel illuminates the inequality in colonial society, since it becomes a significant exception to the versions given by visitors from the upper-class. A side of colonial life, that remained hidden in the dominant discourse of the time, emerges right before our eyes. This is vitally important, because it explains how and why American democracy never truly lived up to its ideals.
Tags: BOOK REPORTS - BOOK REVIEWS, moraley the infortunate
Abstract This paper discusses the role and responsibilities of a police officer. The paper reveals that officers make a very positive contribution to their communities, seeing that they help members of the public in a wide variety of situations. More than anything else, a police officer helps in crime prevention and in protecting citizens from crime. The paper also touches on the importance of the police officer avoiding using excessive force and abusing his/her authority.
Abstract The concept of mens rea will first be elaborated in this paper, followed by an analysis of when the defense of insanity can be applied and concluded by a brief discussion on the credibility of criminal insanity.
Abstract This research paper discusses and explores the relationship between self-control theory and crime, deviance and criminalistic behavior. It provides a gleaning of the various theories and studies conducted on this subject and what their findings were.
Abstract Describes Hirschi's "Theory of Social Control", including its problems and implications. Also includes a personal opinion of why this particular theory was chosen.
From the Paper "In the study of criminology, there are various ideas or theories about why some individuals commit crimes while others do not. There are theorists who choose to approach criminal behavior by questioning why some people deviate from the social norms and commit crimes. On the other hand, there are those criminologists who want to know what causes certain individuals not to stray from the straight and the narrow path of conformity. Those criminologists who question what causes people to say no to temptation are referred to as social control theorists. Social control theory explores the factors which cause obedience in the behavior of most human beings. Although a few theorists have delved into the social control theory, Travis Hirschi is one who explained it most thoroughly."
Abstract This paper provides a brief time-line of the history of the development of the current prison system. It begins with the methods used by the Quakers in the early settlement days and how these methods were adapted with the growth of the population. It discusses how the system was finally centralized and turned into a government body and how it developed into the organization it is today.
From the Paper "The Department of Corrections is an agency that is responsible for the supervisions and management of convicted felons. This Department allows the protection of the community by maintaining secure facilities that keep offenders under firm supervision. It is this Department that maintains the safety of our society.
The history of the Department of Corrections in the United States dates back as far as the mid-1600?s. At the time, the general punishments for crime were brutal and bloody, often ending in death. The Quakers sought to end the bloodshed by creating a new punishment. Thus, they began to substitute imprisonment for the violence (Clear & Cole, 2003)."
Abstract This paper discusses the phenomenon of single-parent households and its relationship to the growth and development of juvenile delinquency. It looks at how single-parenthood is an almost automatic first strike against any child, in particular, the inner city youth. The loss of sound guidance and advice forces minority children to find a sense of belonging outside of the family home. Deprived of adequate adult role models, they look instead at images they see on the street or in the media, images that glorify crime and violence. It also suggests a case study to analyze the relationship between single-parent households and childhood propensities for violent and other anti-social behavior.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Conclusion
From the Paper "The minority child growing up without a father or mother increasingly sees crime, and anti-social behavior in general, as the road to success. His idols are criminals or people who espouse criminal ideals. In a 1997 documentary, Rhyme and Reason, Gangsta Rapper Ice-T was quoted as saying, ?My earliest heroes were drug dealers with gold chains. Once you've tasted the adrenaline rush of crime, you're intoxicated forever. Any way you can't get out of the gang once you've been there, so I have to carry a gun.? (Weems, 1997) While this particular film (according to the review) tries to be upbeat, and purports to show the positive aspects of Gangsta Rap, there is no denying the serious negative impact of words like Ice-T's on the millions of minority youth who listen to Rap Music, and worship figures like himself."
Abstract This paper reviews the horrific mining disaster that took place in a West Virginia mining town in 1972. Information regarding the loss of life and property is taken from Gerald Stern's book, "The Buffalo Creek Disaster: How the Survivors of One of the Worst Disasters in Coal-Mining History Brought Suit Against the Coal Company--And Won". The paper also looks at the negligence of the Buffalo Mining Company, which caused one of the worst man-made disasters in history and the legal case brought against them by survivors of the tragedy.
From the Paper "A few days prior to February 26, 1972, rain fell almost continuously, which was typical for this time of year. Buffalo Mining officials, concerned about the condition of the highest dam, measured water levels every two hours the night of the twenty-fifth. Although a Pittston official in the area was alerted to the increasing danger, the residents of the hollow were not officially informed. The one positive about living in a small town is that news travels fast. So, despite the lack of warning from company officials, some residents discerned the danger and moved to higher ground. At 8:05 a.m., the dam collapsed and the water obliterated the other two impoundments. Approximately 132 million gallons of black, waste water hurried through the narrow Buffalo Creek concave."
