A review of the events of the DC sniper shootings, including the preliminary shootings, the "Beltway" Attacks, the investigation during the attacks and the arrest of the two suspects.
Abstract This paper examines the timeline of the DC sniper killings that took place in October 2002. It explains the preliminary killings and the actual "Beltway" attacks. The paper then analyzes the investigation during the attacks, the arrest of the two suspects and the logistics and tactics used by the suspects. Finally, it discusses the whereabouts of John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo prior to their arrest.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Preliminary Killings
"Beltway" Attacks
The Investigation During the Attacks
The Arrest of the Two Suspects
Logistics & Tactics Used By the Snipers
Conclusion
From the Paper "The deadly string of shootings finally came to an end on October 24, when Muhammad and Malvo were found sleeping in their 1990 Chevrolet Caprice, at a rest stop near Myersville, Maryland. Police were given the information by a truck driver who noticed the parked car. A .223-caliber Bushmaster XM-15 rifle and bipod were found in a bag in Muhammad's car. According to CNN, the rifle was found behind the rear seat of the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice, which had been modified to allow the rifle to be fired from inside the vehicle. The Bushmaster rifle is a civilian, semi-automatic version of the Colt M-16 military rifle, which can be fired in fully automatic mode. Ballistics tests later verified the same rifle matched 11 of the 14 bullets recovered from the attacks."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of criminal law and how it can be a product of social engineering. It examines some laws as tools for social engineering and then describes certain laws that the writer would have enacted for a certain type of social engineering, including the legalization of the possession and use of marijuana and how this would benefit the public.
From the Paper "Sexually orientated businesses have always been the subject of social engineering laws. In December of 2005, the city council of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed a revision that requires dancers to stay four feet away from customers and outlaws all nude dancing. Jenna Jameson, one of the world's top porn stars, recently purchased an interest in Babe's Cabaret, a Scottsdale topless bar. Ms. Jameson intends to fight the city of Scottsdale because she believes the new regulations will put her out of business. As a Scottsdale citizen, it is interesting to note that Babe's Cabaret has been in business for many years without problems until Ms. Jameson purchased an interest in the club. Some people believe that the city of Scottsdale is attempting to clear out sexually orientated businesses regardless of who owns these clubs. This issue will remain in the news because Ms. Jameson and her high powered lawyers intend to fight this matter under First Amendment rights, Freedom of Expression."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that race-based jury nullification has existed ever since jury trials began in the United States; however, they have become prevalent in the later years due to the widespread presence of the media in the courtroom. The writer examines the arguments for and against race-based jury nullification as well presenting an opinionated conclusion concerning the subject through the comprehension of contemporary cases. The writer maintains that jurors must know they are responsible for upholding justice and ensuring only the guilty are punished. These individuals must determine guilt based on the facts and not their personal beliefs. The writer concludes that jury nullification is anti-democratic and is against everything for which the criminal justice system stands.
Outline:
Introduction
Arguments for Race Based Nullification
Arguments against Race Based Nullification
Position on Race Based Jury Nullification
Conclusion
From the Paper "Race based jury nullification is against everything the justice system stands for. The criminal justice system in the United States is a system that is set up to be fair to all people. The criminal justice system is a system set up to punish the guilty and excuse the innocent. Race based jury nullification goes against these ideals.
"Race based jury nullification may set the guilty free even though the evidence presented leads towards a guilty verdict. This nullification may also place an innocent person in prison or result in the loss of an innocent life. Jurors must perform their duties properly and justly. They must take the situation seriously and must not make a decision based on their personal beliefs, but instead base their decision on the facts presented."
Introduction
Pre- Trial Intervention
Drug Courts
Statutory Diversion
TASC Programs
Mediation Programs
Victim - Offender Mediation Programs
Community Dispute Resolution Programs
Alcohol Detoxification Centers
Manhattan Bowery Corporation
Decriminalization
Future of Diversion Programs
Conclusion
Works Cited Page
From the Paper In today's society it has become necessary for the criminal justice system to attempt to employ mores alternatives to the traditional prosecution of cases. It was from this need that Diversion Programs were born. These programs were set up to benefit both the offender and the criminal justice system.
There are several benefits for offenders that these diversion programs offer. It allows an eligible offender to be quickly evaluated and have intervention proceed. After identified as an eligible offender, personalized help can be offered. Help such as drug and alcohol counseling, medical care and different forms of education. Diversion also lessens the trauma to the offender, from an emotional and economic point of view, due to facing possible criminal prosecution. As a whole, these programs give offenders an opportunity to be diverted out of the criminal justice system and get a second chance to redeem themselves.
Abstract This paper analyzes if there is a trend between incarceration rate and crime rate and if the former is the cause of the latter.
From the Paper "Responding to much research done on the topic, politicians are calling for the construction or more prisons, longer prison terms and mandatory sentences. These all lead to and increase in the nation's incarceration rate. But is a higher incarceration rate really the reason behind the recent fall in crime rates across the country? To some, the answer is an obvious yes, while to others, that yes must be qualified by other factors."
Abstract This is an argumentative paper about the justification of capital punishment. The paper also examines the different views of capital punishment as well as the pros and cons of eliminating it from society.
From the Paper "In the past, people have invariably felt that if they had been wronged in some way, it was his or her right to take vengeance on the person that had wronged them. This mentality still exists, even today, but in a lesser form because the law has now outlined a person's rights and developed punishments that conform to those rights, yet allow for the retribution for their crime. However, some feel that those laws and punishments are too lax and criminals today take advantage of them knowing very well that the punishments for their crime, whether it be murder, theft, or any other number of criminal activities, will be so negligible that it may be well worth their risk.'
Abstract This paper talks about how the role of corrections has changed since the 1960?s. The focus is mainly on community-based corrections.
From the Paper " The poverty programs of the 1960's which failed to win the war on poverty but made strong impressions on the Nation, are of particular importance for corrections. The ideology underlying those programs suggested that persons of minority origin and low socio-economic status systematically are denied access to higher status in American society. They are persistently over represented among those who experience mental and physical illness, educational failure, unemployment, and crime and delinquency. Programs that attacked such systematic exclusion from higher status used varied techniques. emphasis on cultural awareness attempted to promote dignity and pride among minority groups, inserted minority history into America's records, and resulted in new group cohesion, political clout, and often militant reactions with newly discovered strength."
Abstract An in-depth look at prison sentencing and allocation of parole. The author argues that life sentencing in the U.S. court system is unfair and that majority of life term prisoners are first time prisoners that receive life sentence due to their involvement with drugs. In effect prisons become full and more dangerous criminals are given parole as they don't sit for life sentences. The author further discusses the effects of this on tax-payers and on society in general.
From the Paper "Imagine receiving a 25-year prison sentence with no possible chance of parole. There is not even a way the sentence can be reduced from the start. For repeat offenders, this is becoming common in the American criminal justice system. Now imagine it is the first offence, and yet there is still a 25-year to life sentence imposed. This situation is quite common in many states, i.e. Michigan. The question must be asked: Are mandatory minimum sentences in drug offences truly just in today's society? Sentences like these are unfair to many of those convicted under them. Mandatory minimum sentences have been filling American prison systems with first-time, non-violent offenders, the majority of which are drug offenders. Since these sentences cannot be reduced, room has to be made for all of the incoming prisoners. In order for the room to be made, violent offenders are usually released early. Not only are these sentences unfair to the offenders, but also because of the extreme sentences, they are costly to the American taxpayer."
Abstract This paper looks into the Just War Theory of St. Augustine, and determines whether the war against drugs is war that is just and fair, or one that should be given up. The author argues that the war on drugs is something that can never be fully eradicated and rather one that can only cause for the reduction of drug use. Included are statistics as supporting evidence.
From the Paper "The war against drugs in the United States is one that has been fought for many years, and seems to have no end. Its "soldiers" always seem to come upon new enemies, which there are already countless numbers of to begin with. Many proponents of the war against drugs point to the facts that drug use has declined over the years, and the numerous amounts of arrests and drug busts that are made. While those proponents support the governments quest in the elimination of drug trafficking, there are also those who disagree.The opponents say that there is no end in sight, that the drugs will continue to be produced no matter what, these people desire the profit from the occupation, and will do anything to get it. Chances are, neither of the majorities of either of these groups have looked into whether this war against drugs is a just one, and should continue, or end. Which leaves the question, should we as Christian's be supporting this war, or would it be wrong and immoral to do so. This knowledge can only be obtained by looking into the just war theory, and making a decision from there. "
Abstract This paper analyzes the theory of violence and criminal behavior through the explanation of the theories of containment, learning and social strain. The author uses a case study of a juvenile delinquent based on the various social theories relating to the violent behavior.
From the Paper "Sociologists try to understand the human behavior within the society. In the past it was assumed that human behavior was a part of the genetic inheritance but as time passed research showed that the human behavior is more affected by the social and physical environment rather than by genetic structure. To explain the different behaviors exhibited by humans, especially those of violence sociologists presented sociological theories on which basis they could predict, evaluate and analyze human behavior. Consider then the Social Learning Theory: This theory pertains to the hypothesis that a human beings act according to the values taught by the society and environment around them. As a child they learn through the punishment and reward as parents teach them right from wrong. The peer groups and the school settings etc then reinforce the lesson. Social definitions begin to act as cues signaling the socially acceptable behavior and so behavior is organized around seeking pleasure and avoiding pain."
Abstract This paper discusses the process of conviction through history, from martial and colonial law to the modern court system. It goes on to discuss methods of punishment from branding and flogging, through export to colonies, to modern prisons. It looks at various prison systems and philosophies from rotting squalor, to hard labor and chain gangs to the modern healing and rehabilitation. The paper also looks at the severity of punishments meted out over history for various crimes and discusses debtor's prisons. It is well laid out in chronological historical periods.
From the paper:
?Crime is an issue of paramount social concern, one that directly and indirectly affects each and every member of society. The costs of crime are not merely financial; there are also emotional costs such as when a criminal murders an individual's family member or close friend or when an offender is incarcerated, depriving his or her family of emotional and/or financial support. Public concern has increased over specific aspects of the crime problem, namely juvenile crime, prison reform, the role of television in producing violence, and urban gangs. This paper analyzes and examines prisons and how they have evolved over the centuries to match the attitudes and ideas of society. In Part II, the history surrounding prisons is analyzed. Finally, this paper concludes with recommendations for ways to improve how the criminal justice system handles punishment.?
Abstract This paper discusses the history of terrorism and how it climaxed into the largest domestic terrorism act on September 11th in the United States. It focuses on the emergency services responses in New York City to this terror attack and explains how for many years these services have been preparing for such an attack.
From the paper:
"Three months America was introduced to terrorism on a level that it had never before experienced when two planes were crashed into the World Trade Center Towers in New York, causing them to collapse even as another plane plunged into the Pentagon and another, perhaps on its way to a Washington D.C. target crashed in a field in Philadelphia.
But while the plane crashes and the destruction that followed them were terrible, they could have ? and would have ? been much worse had not the cities and states involved worked closely with the federal government to contain the damage and limit the injuries and death."
This paper analyses the Three Strike Law which is used against repeated offenders. It uses the State of California as an example of the enforcement of this law and provides an overview of sources which are for and against its institution.
2,820 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 7 sources, 2001, $ 83.95
Abstract This paper analyses the Three Strike Law which is used against repeated offenders. It uses the State of California as an example of the enforcement of this law and provides an overview of sources which are for and against its institution.
From the paper:
"Following the highly publicized kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Polly Klaus and Kimber Reynolds, California Governor Pete Wilson signed the state's three-strikes law, Proposition 184, in March 1994. The law was designed to punish the most serious and habitual offenders and help control crime. By May 31, 2001, over 50,000 criminals had been incarcerated. This included 43,800 under a second strike provision."
Abstract There is a new technology of criminal activity which involves the use electronic means of communication in committing crimes. This paper looks in greater depth at some of these issues by examining the FBI Carnivore system, how it was developed, what its capacities are, and the problems civil libertarians and others see.
From the paper:
"It has a ferocious name. And its bark is in fact probably just about as bad as its bite. And while it certainly has the power to do good, the inherent costs may make it not worthwhile.
The FBI's Carnivore system is a tool used by this law enforcement agency to snare criminals who use electronic means of communication in committing their crimes, allowing this federal agency to collect and examine email and other electronic traffic sent and received by those suspected or accused of crimes ? along, of course, with the rest of us. While the crime-fighting capacities of such a capability can be seen to be substantial, it should also be clear that such a system has the ability (if improperly used) to cause substantial harm to the rights of the innocent because most people do not realize that their electronic correspondence can be seized and examined. An essential bedrock of the American legal system (and indeed of American culture) rests on the English common-law assumption that people have a basic right to privacy and that unless they should assume or know otherwise that they have a presumption of that privacy. Thus a person shouting on a public street has no reasonable expectation of privacy. A person sitting at her computer sending email to her mother does."
The following paper examines the war on drugs in America, questioning whether the loss of lives, stricter laws and costs of the campaign outweigh the benefits.
1,050 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 2 sources, 2003, $ 36.95
Abstract This essay discusses the pros and cons of the "War on Drugs" in America, paying specific attention to the sales of drugs, legislation issues, the strain on the judicial system, poor communities, increased costs of the campaign and the infringement of individual rights.
From the paper:
?Some critics have pointed to the amount of money the War on Drugs has cost. They claim that the increased costs of the campaign to stop drug flow into the United States have coincided with a decrease of the amount of money spent on education. However, correlation is not the same as cause. The funding of education is an important role for federal, state and local governments. This is why we have federal funding for some educational programs as well as state and local taxes to help pay for public schools.?
