Abstract This paper discusses the issues of marijuana, currently classified in the U.S. as an illegal substance. It examines the case for making it legal by prescription for medical purposes and why it is unethical to deny a sick person of the medical benefits. In persons undergoing cancer therapy, marijuana can ease the nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite caused by chemotherapy treatment. It describes its constituents, its effect on humans and the avid campaign over the years to have it decriminalized.
From the Paper "Marijuana is derived from the flowers and dried leaves of the cannabis plant, which at varied potencies contains the non-narcotic chemical called Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. The different strengths of this herb produce various physical effects, ranging from a tranquilizer to a stimulant. Preceding to the 1930s, when marijuana was believed to be a problem it was a legal substance for over one hundred and thirty years. (Grinspoon) The potential unsafe effects of marijuana usage became public knowledge when Harry J. Anslinger, the commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotic wrote the book Marijuana Assassin of Youth. Anslinger's book gave examples of Mexican and Negro criminals, as well as young boys of other races, who, while under the influence of marijuana, became serial killers. Some of the serious adverse side effects Anslinger mentioned included premature cancer, hostility, depression, coordination and perceptional reproductive disabilities, memory loss, and impairment to both the respiratory system and the immune system."
Abstract This paper examines the concept of racial profiling, using race to profile criminals and how African-Americans and other minority groups have been unfairly targeted by law enforcement officials. It looks at how racial profiling taps into one of the irreconcilable conflicts of American society, liberty versus security, although with racial profiling, it has been shown that crime has been significantly reduced in major cities, such as New York City. It shows how ultimately, racial profiling has created a gulf between law enforcement and the minority communities it purports to protect and how all too frequently, innocent people are persecuted. In other situations, people from the minority community refuse to testify on behalf of law enforcement in trials against criminals because of the minority people's distrust of law enforcement.
From the Paper "Against incriminating statistics that police unfairly target minorities is the reality that most of the criminals come from minority neighborhoods and communities. One of the statistics cited by the liberals is the 1998 statistic stating that 83 percent of the 27,000 "stop and frisk" incidents by a special police unit concerned minorities. However, according to New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, this statistic does not translate into the fact that policemen are deliberately harassing individuals from minority neighborhoods. Instead, these statistics reflect the reality that many suspects, whose ethnicities are described by their victims, come from minority communities (Getlin). According to national figures, blacks comprise 13 percent of the American population, but over 40 percent of the arrests for rape and car theft (Puddington 5)."
Tags: law, enforcement, african-americans, minority, groups
Abstract Over the last few years, the number of reported cases of identity theft has skyrocketed, from 86,000 reported cases in 2001 to over 700,000 in 2002. It is by far the fastest growing crime in the United States. Perhaps what is even scarier than the crime itself is the ease with which the crime can be pulled off. Discusses the crime of identity theft, ways in which it occurs, ways to prevent it and what to do if it does occur. The paper also investigates the way in which the internet has contributed to the rise in identity theft.
From the Paper "Experts have suggested many different ways to reduce the risk of being a victim of identity theft. Many of these suggestions are extremely easy and worth the trouble. The first suggestion is to tear up all credit card bills, bank statements, and any other sort of document that has personal information on it. The next suggestion is that social security numbers should be kept as private as possible. They stress that the social security card should not be carried around, and that social security and drivers license numbers not be written on checks. They also say that social security numbers, along with all personal information should never be given out unless the person asking for it has a good reason to need it. Another way to prevent possible identity theft is to always be on the look out for people that may be eavesdropping on conversations or watching what is being written down. This prevents the "shoulder surfing" technique. The next tip is to never respond to suspicious E-mails or phone solicitors. This is especially true of E-mails and solicitations that request identifying information."
Abstract This paper examines the success of prison rehabilitation programs in reducing the prison population, providing former prisoners with life and job skills and cutting the rate of recidivism. It gives special attention to Louisiana-based programs such as Project Return and the state's Department of Labor and Corrections job fair. This paper concludes that federally-funded programs such as these are essential in helping the prison system fulfill its rehabilitative as well as punitive roles.
From the Paper "Recent statistics released by the Bureau of Justice present a sobering picture of the United States corrections system. A 2000 census shows that there are an estimated 2 million people currently incarcerated in the country. This translates to an incarceration rate of 699 prisoners for 100,000 people. Analysts believe that within a few years, the United States will surpass Russia as the country with the world's highest incarceration rate (Boulard). This growing prison population continues to reduce the effectiveness of the corrections program and to strain limited state resources. In the last fiscal year alone, states spent $38 billion on corrections and prison-related expenses, a 5.2 percent increase from the year before."
Abstract How should we as a society respond to criminal activity and wrongdoing? If a crime is committed, what should happen to the offender? Though this debate is old in nature, these questions have become increasingly important to Americans in recent times, especially following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This paper examines methodologies for measuring the effectiveness of a variety of community-based corrections, including probation, parole and other intermediate sanctions.
From the Paper "This philosophy strives to strengthen the community by focusing on the strong points of the offender and victim through shaming, mediation, and face-to-face meetings. The idea of restorative justice is to have the offender "repair" the damage he has done by participating in community service, providing restitution, attending victim impact panels, or other educational programs. Restorative justice began in response to property crimes when it was determined that most victims preferred to be compensated for their losses rather than see their offender incarcerated. Since then, it has grown into a widely used concept that encompasses many crimes and offenses. Therefore, community-based corrections are vital to the success of restorative justice and play a large role in guiding the process."
Abstract This paper examines how gender affects an inmate's prison experience and looks at different reasons why women are incarcerated and their different needs in prison. The paper evaluates the programs addressing women's needs, especially those who are pregnant in jail, and makes recommendations to make prison policy more responsive to the rehabilitative needs of its female inmates.
From the Paper "The differences between male and female inmates starts before imprisonment. For many women inmates, the seeds are sown in childhood, as a significantly larger percentage of women than men report being sexually, mentally or emotionally abused while they were growing up. Various studies of female prison inmates consistently find high rates of abuse suffered during childhood and as adults."
Abstract This research paper examines and analyzes the economic costs and benefits of gun control in the United States. The positions of gun control advocates and the gun lobby are compared and conclusions reached accordingly.
Abstract This essay reviews James Skolnick's and James Fyfe's "Above the Law: Police and the Excessive Use of Force". It discusses the authors' examination of police excessive force and police brutality. In their view, the answer to this problem lies in better accountability. The paper adds a sociological perspective, arguing that police excessive force is related to the phenomenon of social control. The existence of prisons, for instance, necessitate police excessive force, since social elites have a need to criminalize a certain portion of the population.
Abstract This paper examines how racial profiling has long been an issue of debate in America and has recently been given a shot in the arm due to due the terrorists? attacks on September 11th. Through a literature review, it attempts to show that, although many feel profiling is a warranted tool necessary to combat crime, a growing number of people have come to view it as not only unjust, but counterproductive to reducing crime.
From the Paper "Many who condone racial profiling assert that government policy affects not only resources, but, values and behavior as well. However, this is the same argument used concerning welfare policy (Foreman 2001). Policies makers argued that subsidizing unmarried and unemployed mothers created a culture of dependency and that citizens needed to take responsibility for their own lives or government would never be able to effectively combat poverty (Foreman 2001). If authorities believe that ?sending out welfare checks with no strings attached sends the wrong message,? they must understand that racial profiling does also (Foreman 2001). For if one is to believe that hard work and responsibility is the path to success, then one has to believe that with those equal responsibilities come equal rights."
Abstract This paper defends the position that violence in the media does indeed contribute to violent behavior in individuals. The paper cites and then negates several arguments that oppose this position and cites research to support the point of view of the paper. It is noted that media violence is not the only factor contributing to violent behavior, and some of these other factors are discussed as well.
From the Paper "Larry J. Siegel defines crime as a "violation of societal rules of behavior as interpreted and expressed by a criminal legal code created by people holding social and political power" (Siegel, 2000). Many socializing factors influence human behavior, and criminal behavior is no exception to the rule. Most influential on criminal behavior perhaps is the prevalence of violence in the media today. Hundreds of studies have been conducted in an attempt to assess the impact media violence has on human behavior. Though many still argue that the media has little or no impact on actual human activity, one cannot deny a strong and inherent link between the two."
Abstract This paper provides an overall look at the death penalty debate. It begins with a history of capital punishment from 18th Century B.C Babylon to present-day Japan and United States. The paper takes a look at the opinions of both death penalty proponents and abolitionists and examines how the debate is reflected in moral values and public opinion. The author concludes with the opinion that, if true justice is to be served in a blind and non-discriminatory manner, the bar for imposing the death penalty should be raised.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
History
Nature of Debates
Debate as Related to Ideological and Cultural Values
Public Opinion
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "One of the biggest fears of abolitionists is the irreversibility of an execution. Statistics show that since 1900, in this country, there have been on the average more than four cases each year in which an entirely innocent person was convicted of murder. Scores of these individuals were sentenced to death. In many cases, a reprieve or commutation arrived just hours, or even minutes, before the scheduled execution. These erroneous convictions have occurred in virtually every jurisdiction from one end of the nation to the other."
Tags: Supreme, Court, homocide, Amnesty, International
Abstract This paper looks at the arguments that favor privatized prison systems and those that oppose it. In support of privatized prison systems, the paper cites the various ways privatization helps eliminate financial waste. Criticisms cited by the paper are the fear that treatment and rehabilitation efforts are overlooked in favor of profit goals, the problem of fraudulent billing by the private companies running the prisons, improper treatment of prisoners, and abuse of incarcerated juveniles.
From the Paper "Currently in the United States, the individual states have two choices for running their prisons. They can either do it all themselves, staffing the prisons with guards and other personnel who are state employees, or they can hire a private company to run some or all of their prisons. When they hire a private company to manage prisons, this is called ?privatization.?"
Abstract This paper examines a number of theories regarding police deviance or corruption. It explains how some believe it is inherent in the work itself, coupled with the power afforded officers, the isolating subculture of police departments, the low pay, and lack of close supervision. On the contrary, it shows how some believe it is the combination of weak character of a selected few "rotten apples" not properly screened out of the hiring process, once they are linked to opportunity and temptation.
From the Paper "What is a slippery slope? Dr. Tom O?Connor states it is "the potential for gradual deterioration of socio-moral inhibitions and perceived sense of permissibility for deviant conduct" (O"Connor 2002). He points out that police are involved on a routine basis in undercover work which involves taking on false identities and inducing crime. Police are allowed to make false promises to hostage takers and kidnappers. Police feed disinformation to the media. Police are trained to be deceptive at interviewing and interrogation"(O?Connor 2002)."
Abstract Discusses the nature of gangs. Examines why children and teenagers join gangs. Considers children at-risk and gang involvement. Reviews and critiques five studies on gangs and violence, and discusses the methods of the studies.
From the Paper "Over the last 20 years in the city of Los Angeles at least 10,000 African American and Latino young men have died due to gang activity and gang warfare (Vigil, 2002). As large as that figure is it is still only a portion of the deaths..."
Abstract This paper discusses how, in the field of criminology, some hold that criminal behavior is socially (nurture) influenced, while others are of the opinion that genetics (nature) play a more substantial role than socialization. It looks at how the literature shows that a genetic predisposition largely determines the environment the individual would choose for most of his or her activities and how other elements of environment, such as peer groups, for example, are also chosen by the individual according to genetic disposition.
Outline
Adopted Children and Twins
Environmental Factors
The Role of Nature
Conclusion
From the Paper "Twin studies are however inconclusive, and it is difficult to determine the exact amount of nature and nurture that play a role in criminal tendencies. (Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology, 2001.) While there are definite similarities that correlate more closely than those between fraternal twins, identical twins have also shown differences, even when raised in the same environment. Here it is possible that small differences in genetic make-up dictate that each twin reacts differently to environmental factors, and thus develop differently, although with the same basic genetic make-up. It is however also true that many twins separated at birth develop startling similarities, which is then ascribed to genetics. Differences in these cases are ascribed to the environment in which each grows up."
