Abstract This paper examines the war on drugs. It begins by examining the origins of the war and its goals. It then assesses its consequences and 'success'. It concludes that the war on drugs is counterproductive as prohibition of alcohol was under the Volstead Act. It advocates other interventions to reduce drug addiction and its impacts.
Abstract This seven-page undergraduate paper discusses racial profiling in law enforcement. Positive and negative aspects of racial profiling and relevant Supreme Court cases are examined and analyzed in order to determine whether racial profiling should be used in policing. The paper concludes that it should be.
Abstract This seven-page undergraduate paper discusses the existence and history of criminology theory and how it can be utilized by police professionals in today's society.
Abstract This three-page undergraduate paper discusses some issues related to the legalization of marijuana. The law has caused much suffering. People's lives would be greatly improved if marijuana were legalized.
Abstract This paper begins with a definition of the rules of street racing. It then examines the sociological aspects of this illegal pastime, especially its appeal to inner-city adolescent boys. The paper then discusses a police report on an event involving street, or drag, racing. Finally, the paper examines the steps taken by law enforcement agencies to curb this dangerous sport.
From the Paper "The problem of illegal street racing is more common in the inner cities, although kids in suburban neighborhoods do also engage in such sport. For the most part, inner city kids are more likely to engage in such activities than other groups. School age children in the inner cities often are unable to find many other activities and services in their neighborhoods. According to studies, "The illegal street racing sport is more prevalent in African American neighborhoods, under a climate of isolation, the underclass youth evolve new attitudes, behaviors and practices which further marginalize their neighborhoods". {Douglas Massey and Nancy Denton. 1994}"
Abstract The paper tries to prove the hypothesis that economic prosperity is inversely related to domestic violence. It attempts to prove that better economic status will decrease the incidence of domestic violence. The paper also looks at the role of women in preventing domestic violence, the reason that a higher percentage of women are on the receiving end of domestic violence, power equations in the family that cause domestic violence, and whether a change in power equations increases or decreases domestic violence. Also examined is how the earning potential of a person can affect his/her status in the family, the role of the government or community services in mitigating domestic violence, and the role of the police or similar organizations in helping poor families deal with domestic violence.
From the Paper "Domestic violence seems to be the biggest and gravest social problems in our society in the recent times. This is mainly because it is ubiquitous in occurrence and almost all types of societies, right form the poorest to the richest has been affected by it. While the modern world has considered women as equal to men at least in theory, it has also used that excuse to comfortably forget the chivalry and decency with which men were supposed to behave to women. Conversely, women also at times indulge in violence against men. It must be understood that domestic violence is not a term that is restricted to men committing crimes on women. In most cases it is seen that violence is directly related to absence of the basic requirements in life, which encourages either partners to pick up a fight with each other."
Abstract This paper presents convincing analytical evidence that violence in the media, whether it be from television, movies, or more recently, video games, increases the likelihood that children and adolescents will commit violent acts of their own. It also claims that those who have a predisposition towards violence can be as much as 66% more likely to commit a violent act because of long exposure to violence in the media.
From the Paper "More then 3,480 research studies conducted in the United States and around the world since the 1950s have shown a positive correlation between media exposure and violent behavior. (Cook 2000) Scientists who have studied a broad range of factors connected to violent behavior including, poverty, racial discrimination, substance abuse, inadequate schools, joblessness and family dissolution, have found that exposure to violent media was a factor in half of the 10,000 homicides committed in the United States in any given year. (Cook)"
This paper argues against California's "3-strikes law", which attempts to stop repeat criminals by sentencing them to mandatory life in jail after their third offense.
Abstract This paper explains that the 3-strikes law has created a dynamic within the criminal justice system that seeks to punish minor offenses, while shifting focus away from violent offenders. The author points out that, unlike other 3-strikes laws around the country, California's is unique in that it permits a lifetime sentence for any third offense, even one that is non-violent by nature, includes juvenile adjudications of those 16 and 17 years of age, and does not provide a "wash-out" period for long periods of time between offenses. The paper concludes that billions of dollars, nationally, have been thrown towards the 3-strikes legislation, but the intent of the law, to reduced crime, has not necessarily been achieved.
From the Paper "Finally, the 3-strikes rule is unfair in its application. Many argue criminal justice systems throughout the United States are discriminatory, but California's is blatantly so. The 3-strike law has had its most dramatic effect on California's African American population. While only 7% of the state's population is African American, more than 40% make up those convicted under the 3-strike law. Plus, the majority of offenses targeted by the law (robbery, possession of drugs, ect.) are offenses more commonly performed by minority and underrepresented groups."
Abstract Discusses Al Capone, John Gotti, and Jimmy Hoffa and how their activities meet a definition of organized crime. Discusses how organized crime has evolved and adapted since Capone and the 1920s.
From the Paper " It is sometimes difficult to separate unique persons from collectivities in the ascription of organized crime. The individual cases of Al Capone, John Gotti, and Jimmy Hoffa demonstrate how an individual's activities may meet the terms of a..."
Abstract Presents an historical overview and examines the current situation. Discusses the involvement of women in almost every aspect of police work and the discrimination against female officers. Uses the example of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Discusses women in other aspects of law.
From the Paper "This essay will analyze the relation of women to law enforcement. Even though women make up more than 51 percent of the American population, their representation on the police forces, the first line of law enforcement..."
Abstract Contends lynching of African-Americans was not just an act of hatred and rage, but at attempt to control behavior. Examines the Deep South as the region of most lynchings and discusses the Ku Klux Klan, the lack of action on the part of the North, and anti-lynching protests.
From the Paper "The history of lynching in the United States ranks as one of the most horrific, shameful episodes in American history. In Lynch Law, the first serious investigation of lynching published in 1905, James E. Cutler states that "lynching is a criminal practice..."
Abstract Examines the problems of overcrowding and escalating building costs that led to growth of the private prison industry. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages, the increase in jobs for local communities, and cost efficiency.
From the Paper "One of the most pressing problems currently facing the correctional system in American society is overcrowding. In 2000, the number of imprisoned American adults reached 1.86 million, making U.S. the top country in the world with the highest number of ..."
Abstract Discusses how identity theft is one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in the United States. Examines the financial loss and problems caused by identity fraud or theft and the role of electronic technology, the Internet, and e-commerce in facilitating identity theft.
From the Paper "The purpose of this report is to examine the causes, incidence, and effects of identity fraud or identity theft. The problem is of significance in that identity theft is one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in the ..."
Abstract This paper focuses on the Kansas City Preventative Patrol Study and the statistical validity of the findings. The experiment was conducted in 1972 by the Kansas City Police to test the effects of police patrol on the incidence of crime. The study lasted over a year and was evaluated by the Police Foundation, which also provided funding and technical assistance for the study. The purpose of the study was to test the assumption that police patrolling the streets in marked cars can prevent individuals from committing crimes. This paper discusses why the results of the Kansas City Preventative Patrol Study are not statistically valid. The paper is divided into three sections: a brief introduction of the study, the results, and why these results lack statistical value.
From the Paper "Conducting the study in Kansas City does not provide an adequate testing ground. In other cities where there is high crime, high unemployment and a substantial homeless population, patrolling would prove beyond a doubt to be effective. Because the study was so limited in scope, it cannot be considered statistically valid that a high visible police presence has no impact on crime in select circumstances. Had the study been conducted across the country in rural and major metropolitan areas in different regions and then compared, there might have been sufficient data to validate the results."
