This paper discusses plea bargaining, a procedure whereby the prosecution and the defense negotiate to reach a resolution outside of the court, resulting in the defendant usually agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge or punishment.
Abstract This paper explains that the most common argument on behalf of plea bargaining is that it reduces the courts? heavy caseloads by ensuring that most criminals enter a plea of guilty, thus eliminating the need for time-consuming trials. The author points out that an argument against plea bargaining is that the public usually favors a disciplinary policy for the handling of criminals in society and wants to see everyone pay for the crime committed. The paper relates that plea bargaining denies the defendant his constitutional right to a trial by jury and asks him to waive his rights against self-incrimination and the right to confront witnesses against him.
From the Paper "By having plea bargaining, we are insuring that criminals have to do at least some time for the crime they have committed. Plea bargaining is beneficial to defendants because they use it to reduce the uncertainty and severity of sentencing. If the defendant pleads guilty in return for a compromise, the defendant avoids the risk of a maximum sentence following a guilty verdict at a trial. Other important advantages to plea bargaining is that it allows the defendant a chance to admit their guilt and show some responsibility for the actions they have committed. By allowing a defendant to enter into a plea bargain and plead guilty, the system is shielding victims for having to testify at a trial that may be difficult for them. A trial usually means that a victim will have to relive what happened to them and may damage them."
Tags:caseload, judge, disciplinary, responsibility, rights
Abstract This paper analyzes key issues preventing the correctional system in the United States from being effective in its goals to reduce crime and recidivism rates. It describes the problems with overcrowding, high client caseloads and the lack of offender change resulting from a lack of effective educational, vocational and rehabilitative programs available to inmates during their incarceration. The paper focuses on potential solutions to these problems, such as the possible benefits of a shift to a more rehabilitative model of corrections.
From the Paper "The "crisis in corrections" is not due to one single issue but rather the culmination of several, interrelated issues that have persisted in the field of corrections. Each of these issues is precipitated by the others, in a cycle of ignorance and misguided acceptance. Historical changes in sentencing policies and prison procedures and a current lack of awareness and motivation for change have resulted in a systemic crisis of serious overcrowding, a lack of effective programming and assistance for current and released inmates, and a high rate of recidivism."
Abstract This paper examines how plea bargaining has been a topic of debate for many years and how advocates feel that plea bargains cut down on caseloads, while opponents feel that criminals get off to easy or are punished too harshly by the system of bargaining. It analyzes these two opposing points of view and chooses and supports the one that personally appeals to the author.
Outline
Introduction
Defining Plea Bargains
Advocates
Opponents
Personal Appeal
Conclusion
From the Paper "A plea bargain is defined as ?an agreement between the defense and the prosecutor in which a defendant pleads guilty or no contest to criminal charges. In exchange, the prosecutor drops some charges, reduces a charge or recommends that the judge enter a specific sentence that is acceptable to the defense.? (Understanding Plea Bargaining? 2002). In most jurisdictions a plea bargain can be arranged at anytime after a defendant has been charged with a crime. In some cases plea bargains are even reached when there is a hung jury because most attorneys would rather arrange a plea bargain than go through an additional trial."
Abstract This paper examines how youth crime is increasing and how, although violent crime by juveniles is decreasing; younger juveniles account for a substantial proportion juvenile arrests and the juvenile court caseload. It looks at the history and the organization within the youth gang and the different developmental pathways to delinquency. It also discusses some of the laws effecting juvenile delinquents.
From the Paper "It seems that as the years go by, we hear about so many crimes committed by youths. One memorable crime that comes to mind is the shooting at Columbine High School that happened on April 20, 1999 in Littleton, Colorado. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris were associated with a group called the "trenchcoat" mafia. This group is made out of students that are an outcast from the school. When the shooting occurred, it was targeted to athletics. The athletics were popular and had great social influence at the school, which was one of the main reasons that the "trenchcoat" mafia hated. This is an example of youth gang and a horrific crime that they committed. 14 students and 1 teacher died from the shooting. It was clear that when Dylan and Eric planned for the shooting, they were going to kill all the athletics."
Abstract This well-researched paper examines the findings published in numerous medical journals regarding the issue of women and drug addiction. This paper compares the results found in various tests and surveys between men and women addicted to drugs. According to one report, women are significantly more likely than men to have a diagnosis of panic disorders prior to their getting involved in heavy drug use. Another article suggests, that although drug abuse in men is still more prevalent than in women, women are in fact catching up to their male counterparts. This paper discusses the correlation between drug addiction and depression as well as suicide, in both men and women. The writer of this paper contends and explains the lack of support and rehabilitation services that are primarily geared towards women.
Table of Contents:
Gender Affects Relationships Between Drug Abuse and Psychiatric
Women and Substance Abuse
Men and Women May Process Cocaine Cues Differently
In Harms Way: Suicide in America
Relational Systems Change
Predominantly Female Caseloads: Identifying Organizational Correlates in Private Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
Prevalence and Motives for Illicit Use of Prescription Stimulants in an Undergraduate Student Sample
Validation of a System of Classifying Female Substance Abusers on the Basis of Personality and Motivational Risk Factors for Substance Abuse
References
From the Paper "With the huge percentage of private drug dependence treatment facilities dwarfing those run by government at various levels, it seems highly appropriate that gender-specific programming should be investigated, and in this article, some results of those inquiries are available. First, since women generally rely more on government-subsidized insurance, and private facilities are less likely to provide those funds, women are at a disadvantage in private centers. Secondly, private facilities rely in many cases on "fee-for-service" payers, again putting women at a disadvantage. Thirdly, private centers can chose which groups, and genders, to market to, based on demands and trends, which is "perhaps to the detriment of minority groups, like women," the article continues."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the Federal Court system and the State Court system of the United States. The paper reviews the relative caseloads, the case management, the relative efficiency of each, the resources allocated to both the types of cases, types of defendants, flexibility in sentencing, options, the oversight which governs the conduct of magistrates in both systems, and lastly the perks which come with both jobs.
From the Paper "The United States' judiciary is frequently cited as being one of, if not the best, judiciaries in the world. For most justices in America this acclaim is hard-won for the occupation of judge can be grueling, occasionally thankless and often stressful. With this in mind, the following paper will look at the challenges of being a justice in the United States by looking at the different challenges confronted by a justice in the United States federal court system versus a justice operating within the state court system. "
Abstract The writer of this article argues that in today's fast-paced world in which emergency rooms, doctor offices, clinics and hospitals are overwhelmed with the caseload of patients in need of care, the use of the personal digital assistant (PDA) has become if not a requirement, a definite tool for nursing that is considered non-optional by many nurses and has been adopted into the training program for many school and university nursing programs. The writer maintains that the use of PDAs is expected to experience rapid growth due to the convenience, efficiency, and functionality of the PDA in the role of nursing in that it frees the nurse from rushing back and forth to the tethered PC to input information. The writer explains that the PDA provides a method for the nurse to rapidly access information relating to patient care, drug dosage information and other necessary information required in the role of nursing. The writer concludes that recommendations arising from studies conducted in the top nursing schools across the United States have recognized the benefits of the use of PDAs by nursing staff and are making recommendations and plans for inclusion of PDAs in nursing education curriculum.
Outline:
Introduction
Facts about PDAs
Nursing Competencies
More PDA Facts
Practical Use of PDAs by the Nurse
Attitudes Towards Use of PDAs
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Using PDAs allows nurses to expediently and accurately access current drug and clinical references and medical calculators. Patient's data may be recorded while they work and they may quickly chart and share data in an efficient manner. Patient data can also be organized and tracked easily with the PDA and treatments and assessments are able to be documented in real-time. Another aspect of the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is the provision of contact lists, email, date books, and to do lists for personal organization as well as the ability to make word documents and power point presentations."
