This paper discusses the challenges confronting social workers and other counseling professionals in providing intervention and prevention services to juvenile delinquents and other adolescents referred to juvenile rehabilitation centers.
Abstract This paper explains that working alliances between disparate rehabilitation system caregivers, justice system professionals and parents are the most effective means of achieving desirable behavioral and attitudinal changes. The paper states that acting-out or delinquent behavior is recognized as an associated feature of adolescent depression disorders. The author believes that the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a valuable tool in assisting caseworkers, social workers and counselors in developing effective treatment regimens.
From the Paper "Miser (1996) commented that difficulty in the assessment and treatment of juvenile delinquents can be explained by social labeling theory. In this theory, it is posited that any delinquent act, regardless of underlying causes, is a legal construct that carries a label capable of influencing the clinical judgment of those who assess and then treat such clients. Abnormal behavior is defined in terms of a legal violation and some type or degree of punitive treatment or response is then required. The mere act of labeling the youthful offender as "delinquent" produces adverse effects on self-concept, which is believed by some to insulate against delinquency. Lower levels of self-concept are associated with deviant labels. Counseling the youthful offender therefore often focuses on development of a positive self-concept or image."
Abstract The author maintains that they should be, and supports his thesis with evidence of rising juvenile crime and the demonstrated inadequacy of juvenile courts. This three-page undergraduate paper discusses whether juveniles should be tried as adults. The author maintains that they should be, and supports his thesis with evidence of rising juvenile crime and the demonstrated inadequacy of juvenile courts.
Abstract This paper discusses why the Miranda Rule is well-tailored to guard against constitutional violations and presents an argument for the Miranda Rule. The Miranda Rule, first adopted in 1966, is still a contentious ruling in today's criminal justice system. The paper explains that, while some critics of the rule feel it is not a deterrent to coercion of information from a suspect, most experts believe the Miranda Rule was created with a solid foundation to help ensure a suspect's rights are not violated, and the information from any suspect is admissible in court. It argues that the Miranda Rule guards the criminal justice system just as well as it guards against rights violations and, because of this, it is vital to the quick and efficient trying of cases.
From the Paper "The Miranda Rule was created in 1966 as a result of the Supreme Court case "Miranda vs. Arizona." The court required law enforcement officers and agencies making an arrest to inform a victim of his rights, in accord with the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees freedom from self-incrimination. The Miranda statement (often simply referred to as "Miranda") is usually a version something like this, read to detainees before they are questioned: "You have the right to remain silent. If you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you desire an attorney and cannot afford one, an attorney will be obtained for you before police questioning" (FindLaw). Miranda has become common knowledge to most Americans because of its' constant use on most police and detective television shows. Just about everyone knows about Miranda, but not everyone knows why it is such and effective tool for law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system."
Tags: arrest, criminal, justice, lawyer, attorney, rights
Abstract This paper discusses the differences between disparities and discrimination within the court systems and criminal justice system as a whole. The paper defines the differences between discrimination and disparity and gives examples of how they have been used in the past in the United States. It particularly focuses on areas of race, women and juvenile justice.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Discrimination v. Disparity: Definitions
Examples of Discrimination and Disparity
Conclusion
From the Paper "The juvenile justice area of criminal justice is another area where disparities are seen. In an adult court, preferential treatment may be given to those who have jobs in terms of how they are sentenced. (Rivera, 2006). However, the goal of sentencing in juvenile justice is geared more toward rehabilitation rather than retribution. Therefore, the opposite case may be seen here in terms of how a juvenile maybe sentenced. By this what I mean is, let's say that two juveniles have committed the exact same crime except one juvenile has a stay at home parent and the other one has a single parent who is working one or more jobs. The juvenile with the stay at home parent maybe allowed to go home because the parent has stated and demonstrated that they have the ability to monitor the juvenile. The juvenile with the working parent may not be afforded the same option because of the fact that he or she is in fact working and does not have the same ability to monitor the juvenile."
Abstract This paper relates that there is evidence indicating a disparity between the sentencing of white and black individuals in the United States. The paper discusses the many reasons that exist for such a disparity, such as law enforcement strategies that target low income areas. It also discusses other reasons, including the ability to hire a private attorney versus having to depend on a public defender. The paper concludes with some suggestions for reducing racial disparity.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Reasons for Racial Disparity
Extra Legal and Non-Legal Factors in Sentencing Consideration
Suggestions for Reducing Disparity
Conclusion
From the Paper "A large racial discrepancy exists in the court system when sentences are handed down to individuals. There is sufficient evidence to support that a black individual is more likely to receive a harsher sentence than a white individual who committed what would appear to be the same crime. Many theories exist for the explanations of the racial disparity such as law enforcement strategies, disproportionate number of minorities involved in crime, the implementation of mandatory sentencing guidelines, and even how plea bargains are handled. As well as there are theories for the reasons why racial disparities in sentencing existing, so are suggestions as to how to attempt to remedy it such as restricting judicial discretion, and maintaining sentencing within certain guidelines."
Abstract This paper describes the writer's perspective of criminological theory. It focuses on why people commit crimes and why people act the way that they do. It then describes the variables that the writer would consider and the methodologies he would use in order to evaluate his theory. The paper concludes that there are many theories that can assist in determining the reasons why things happen and there will be many more theories that will either agree or disagree with previous theorists.
From the Paper "Criminological theories in my perspective are theories from various individuals who have experience or education in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, science or biology. This is due to being able to read people behaviors and understand the mindset of why individuals would commit crimes. I believe everyone who had a theory studied and observed different cultures, communities, and family parenting to get the proof he or she needed to show that their theory has some merit. "Then others tested the theory and either added or improved the findings by using more sufficient information through their research. In other words, criminological theory is the study of criminal thinking and criminal behavior. If criminological and theory is broken down, it gives the definitions of theory is a speculation or abstract thought or contemplation, an ideal of or belief about something arrived through speculation, and a scientific principle to explain phenomena (Webster's New World, 2002). Criminological is the sociological study of crime, criminals and punishment of criminals (Webster's New World, 2002)."
Abstract This paper deals with the shortcomings of the current measures taken to curb the rising problem of drug abuse in America and how legalizing drugs would change the role of the police from the enforcer, to the protector. A discussion of the question of getting current abusers to stop their self-destructive ways and ways to prevent new drug abusers is given with a realistic looks at how the current systems tries to solve these problems. Also a short dissertation on how DARE has failed to prevent new drug abusers is also given.
From the Paper "Over the past decades a number of prominent individuals have been attacked or killed by people with a psychosis or other mental disorders, including ex-Beatle John Lennon and former U.S. President, Ronald Reagan. Although these cases may be spectacular, violence and aggression displayed by the mentally ill is usually directed against partners or family members, rather than others (Danielson et al, 1998). There is little evidence of an increasing number of violent acts made by patients with psychosis, but literature suggests that patients with major mental disorders have an increased risk for committing such acts compared with the general population (Munro, 2000). ). Fed by highly selected information in the mass media about their very rare contribution to one type of tragedy, homicide, the public and politicians believe, or are being encouraged to believe through the mass media, that unless people with a mental disorder are once more segregated, the streets will not be safe."
Abstract This paper looks at how juvenile delinquency is linked to the families the offenders come from. Links are examined in regards to the abuse of children during childhood, low levels of family affection and high levels of family conflict, the use of ineffective or inconsistent disciplinary practices and the structure of the family.
From the Paper "The first and most obvious cause in the family is most probably the lack of parental affection or parental rejection. This happens mostly in families whereby the parents are very busy, broken homes or those where arguments are part of a daily routine. Cernkovich and Giordano (1987) found that ?delinquent behavior in a large sample of high-school students was associated with parent-adolescent conflict, low parental acceptance and low parental caring and trust.? Children that feel rejected or unloved may sometimes find ways to attract attention. The ways children do so varies from just crying all day long or calling their parents every single second, to committing crimes. This is why some children of rejecting parents display aggressive behavior. Interactions between parents and child are also important to prevent the child from feeling rejected. J. Pincus said, ?Parenting that promotes interpersonal and communicative relations, academic and professional skills, as well as encourages the development of normative values and positive behavioral standards in children.? This positive interaction between parent and child is important in establishing a strong bond and the formation of appropriate behavioral characteristics in children."
Abstract This paper looks at the death penalty. Both sides of the coin are discussed. The positive and negative effects lead the author to ask: Does the death penalty deter crime or does it have no effect other than on the executed criminal. With numerous examples.
From the Paper "Some time ago, a Texas journalist who had seen nearly two hundred people die in the electric chair over nearly thirty years declared that the death penalty is not a deterrent- the main claim for it. "The only person it deters," he believed, "is the man being executed." We should start by defining deterrence. It refers to an instance where an individual refrains from an act because he or she perceives a risk of punishment for the act and fears that punishment. Thus the deterrent effect of capital punishment is best evaluated in terms of the number of person prevented from committing a crime that would lead them to be penalized. So is there such a thing as the death penalty deterring society in general or was the Texas journalist right about the death penalty not having a deterrent effect on the general public?"
Abstract This paper discusses how hairs and fibers are used in forensic research. The author explains the properties of hair, and how knowing the many varieties can help in solving a crime. Similarly, the author provides charts of various fibers and explains how a scientist can utilize this information.
From the Paper "You brush up against countless people and surfaces over the course of a day. Each one leaves remnants of the contact- including fibers and hair. You pick hairs off of your clothing, clean a hairbrush, or cut loose threads from a garment; all these tiny items can be identifiable in virtually any situation. In the cases of violence or struggle, large transfers of both take place; an attacker pulls a victim's hair out, a victim grabs at an attacker's shirt and rips it, getting fibers under his or her nails, etc. Each piece of this minute evidence provides a means of identification and the ability to solve a crime."
An analysis and examination of organized crime both in the United States and internationally, with specific reference to its history and characteristics.
2,500 words (approx. 10 pages), 22 sources, 2001, $ 75.95
Abstract In this paper the author analyzes and examines organized crime. The history of organized crime in the United States is discussed; the distinguishing characteristics of organized crime groups are examined and reviewed; the tensions between federal, international, and state laws in fighting organized crime are discussed; the supply of illicit drugs into the United States is examined and finally, the paper concludes with recommendations for battling organized crime.
From the paper:
?Organized crime poses severe threats to international and national security, particularly as the economy becomes increasingly global. Such threats present new conflicts that will require innovative strategies in the future. Cooperation among global organized crime groups has increased as restrictions have lessened between international borders.?
Abstract This paper contains information on the effects of ecstasy, mentally and physically. It shows the history and the banning of MDMA and contains information on trafficking, marketing, distributing, manufacturing, and even logos. It explains short term and long term effects from using ecstasy. It shows how serious the drug is and how just one dose can kill you.
From the paper:
"Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is becoming increasingly popular amongst high school and college students and studies show that it can have severe effects. The scientific name for ecstasy is methelynedioxymethamphetamine. Ecstasy has an interesting history which led to illegal use today. Nicknames for ecstasy include "the love drug" and is sometimes known as "Adam" or ?X?. Use of this drug is currently rising with high school and college students."
Abstract This paper provides a definition of cyber crime and explores different forms thereof. It asks questions such as - Who commits cyber crime and what is being done to prevent it. It examines the most common crimes committed via the Internet such as software piracy and credit card fraud but also analyzes the scarier crimes such as child pornography and security hacking.
From the Paper "Cyber crime is probably the most talked about form of crime in North America. Parents worry about pedophiles using the Internet to access their children. Businesses spend enormous amounts of money to protect their computer systems from hacker attacks. Many individuals will not use the Internet to shop because they are worried about how secure their credit card information is on the Internet. Is all of this worry, sometimes verging on hysteria justified? Or is it simply a case of fear of a new technology."
Abstract This paper looks at the increased reports of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. The writer points out that only recently has the Church needed to answer for itself and take a stand due to the high level of reported cases. An examination of the Church's response is given which follows criticism of their reaction.
From the Paper "The Catholic Church has been rocked recently by allegations of sexual abuses"especially against children. The problem is not isolated but all pervading. The cases of child, sexual abuses are about the same percentage as the general population. Most of the cases are not, in the strictest sense pedophilic"sex with pre-pubescent children, but ephebophilia?abuse of adolescent children. In a comprehensive study of 2,252 priests for 30 years, only one case of pedophilia was found. It involved a priest with two six year-old nieces. Between 5 and 10 percent of priests were pederasts (ephebophiles). (Jenkins, 1996)"
