Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at Florida's faith and character based correctional facilities - the largest in the United States. The author examines the accountability, legal and ethical considerations in addition to the political and stakeholder issues regarding these institutions in an attempt to discover a potential benefit for society or a potential harm in having a governmental agency run completely faith-and character-based institutions. The paper gives a brief history of the development of faith and character based correctional facilities and then discusses issues such as accountability, legal and ethical considerations and political and stakeholder issues.
Outline:
Introduction / Basic Organizational Information
A Basic Background and History
Accountability
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Political and Stakeholder Issue
In summary
References
From the Paper Lawety was established as a Faith-and Character-Based Correctional Institution for men on December 24, 2003 and has a bed capacity of 835, making it the first Faith-and Character-Based Correctional Institution in the country. However, of importance is that by this time the Florida Department of Corrections had already been operating 10 Faith-and Character-Based Dormitories in several of their prisons. Florida Department of Corrections [FDC-E], Nd.; Florida Department of Corrections [FDC-F], Nd.). Hillsborough was created on April 14, 2004 for women with a housing capacity of 292 beds, and Wakula was created on March 1, 2006 with a bed capacity of 1,756 for men. (id).
Tags: crime prison faith correctional institution florida, jeb bush, society police
Abstract This paper discusses the difficulties when working in a correctional institution. Correctional officers are in daily contact with murders, rapists and other violent offenders. It is often necessary for such facilities to expand, or to bring in more inmates, simply because of the nature of today's society. The paper reports that these needs put increased pressure on an already strained support system. Correctional officers are often underpaid and turnover can be high in correctional facilities. Desert View Modified Community Correctional Institute has such a need to expand; however, the high rate of turnover among the correctional officers, in conjunction with the difficulty in hiring new officers, makes it difficult to maintain the staff needed for such an expansion. Such difficulty would make an expansion difficult and unsafe for the community.
Abstract This paper presents an in-depth review of literature looking at the effects and causes of stress among correctional officers. The paper examines literature discussing the theories of stress and burnout, stress among correctional officers, effects of stress on correctional officers, job satisfaction and turnover among correctional officers.
From the Paper "Specifically, this chapter will include theories of stress and burnout, stress among correctional officers, effects of stress on correctional officers, job satisfaction and turnover among correctional officers and a summary of the chapter. Job related stress has been associated with a vast array of physical diseases and psychological disorders and has been..."
Discussing how the concept of corrective affliction affects the protagonist in the novel "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Anne Bradstreet's poem, "The Author to My Book" .
Abstract This paper looks at how the works "The Scarlet Letter" and "The Author to Her Book" provide a good definition of corrective afflictions. When thinking in terms of how the theme of corrective afflictions is present in the novel and the poem, one could define it as placing someone into a position of pain to correct some sort of sin that one has committed. This paper looks at how this concept influences the main characters of these writings.
From the Paper "There are many corrective afflictions given to both Anne and Hester. Hester and ?the ill formed offspring,?(140) are the children who display these corrective afflictions to their mothers. God placed all of Hester and Anne's corrective afflictions upon them, in order to fix pieces of their lives that seemed to be broken. Both Anne Bradstreet and Hester Prynne walk through life with challenges that appear dismal, having thoughts of there being no chance for happiness. Through the afflictions given to the mothers from the children, and the abnormalities that the mother's must respond to, there are lessons for Anne and Hester to learn from Pearl and the ?ill formed offspring.? Yet, the afflictions are adherent to the fact that it will make their lives seemingly complete. The corrective afflictions change Hester and Anne's perception from their lives being utterly worthless, to wanting to make their lives one with the righteous of heart and soul."
Abstract The paper contends that correctional facilities do not work as intended. In part, this failure could be blamed on prison overcrowding. The paper explains that related to this issue is that of insufficient coverage by correctional officers. A third potentially related issue is the failure of our correctional facilities lack of funding to provide adequate room and personnel to oversee all prisoners in the system. The paper considers that a solution to this problem would seem twofold.
From the Paper "Additional beds are needed to house inmates produced by current sentencing guidelines. In addition, additional funding in the system would assist both with the housing and the personnel coverage. It has been suggested in the past that privatization of the correctional system would be of assistance with both issues. For that reason, this suggested design will be intended to address these needs with a facility built using private funds. Privatizing correctional facilities is not new."
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 This paper focuses on privatization of policing and corrections, providing a history of privatization. Particular attention is given to bounty hunter abuses and the state of privatized correctional facilities, which is supported by research and an interview with a consultant to a California state senator.
From the Paper "Privatization is the opposite of going public, which is the direction that many of our criminal justice agencies are heading toward. Privatization of policing and corrections are particular areas that have been experimenting with going private. Public agencies have been relying on private policing and correctional corporations to cut costs for services that state and federal agencies feel they cannot handle. There is an economic tug of war between politicians who are out to save money and eliminate state and federal spending abuses, while state and federal employees, particularly unions, are opposed. They believe that this cannot be achieved without reducing the quality of service and the elimination of much needed state and federal jobs. While these private companies are sometimes able to save money for state and federal agencies who are not able to provide these services in a way that is economically feasible, the officers who are losing jobs are up in arms."
Tags:corrections, policing, privatization, police, violence, crime, incarcination, prison, federal
Abstract This paper looks at the juvenile correctional system and how it works. It examines how and why juveniles get tried as adults. It also looks at the widespread occurrence of mental health problems among those in juvenile correctional facilities. Recommendations are drawn from the literature as to what needs to be done to address the problems in the system.
From the Paper "In recent years there has been a dilemma in the criminal justice system as to whether to treat juvenile offenders as adults and at what age to do this. The first juvenile court, a uniquely American institution, was established in ..."
Abstract This paper explores aspects of the mentally ill in correctional facilities. It discusses why the number of mentally ill in prisons and jails is rising. It discusses problems the mentally ill face in prison, such as abuse, suicide, the inability of prisons to care for them properly, and release and recidivism. The paper also discusses some solutions to these problems.
From the Paper "Correctional facilities face many problems when dealing with different types of inmates. Many inmates have different or special needs. One of these groups of inmates is the mentally ill. The number of mentally ill offenders in correctional facilities is rising and because of this, prisons and jails have become one of the primary types of psychiatric treatment centers. In fact, "Jails in most major cities contain a larger number of severely mentally ill people than the local mental health hospitals" (Sigurdson, 2001, p70). Mental illness affects the inmate's behavior in prison and how they are treated by other inmates and the staff. This creates problems for the correctional facilities as well as the inmates. Some problems include abuse, busing, suicide, and recidivism. Topics that will be discussed are the rise of mentally ill in correctional facilities, problems that this creates, and some solutions to these problems. The staff do not know how to deal with the mentally ill and, as a result, the mentally ill often do not receive the treatment they need in order to be rehabilitated so that they can function normally in society. Changes need to be made in correctional facilities in order to provide treatment for mentally ill offenders so that they can receive the help and rehabilitation that they need."
Abstract This paper discusses what correctional policies can be created from the principles of restorative justice (based on indigenous justice principles). The writer looks at whether these values are more compatible with some offenses than others. The writer also discusses whether they are more appropriate for some types of offenders than others. Further, the writer discusses reasons why juveniles of color have higher rates of contact with the police than white youth.
From the Paper "According to Restorative Justice online, restorative justice is a systematic response to wrongdoing that emphasizes healing the wounds of victims offenders and communities caused or revealed by the criminal behavior. Three principles form the foundation for restorative justice. Justice requires that we work to restore those who have been injured. Those most directly involved and affected by crime should have the opportunity to participate fully in the response if they wish. Government's role is to preserve a just public order and the community's is to ... "
Abstract This paper reviews "The Corrections" by Jonathan Franzen, presenting an American family that is disintegrating in the face of disease, dementia, economic disruption and age. The paper explains that in this novel, it is not so much that the family does not work as a social unit but that the members of this family are all unhappy for one reason or another and are facing major changes in their lives, in some cases expected changes, in others unexpected and unwanted changes.
From the Paper "Jonathan Franzen's novel "The Corrections" presents an American family that is disintegrating in the face of disease, dementia, economic disruption, and age. More and more, novelists and others write about the American family as if it were necessary always to add the word "dysfunctional" as an adjective. In this novel, it is not so much that the family does not work as a social unit but that the members of this family are all unhappy for one reason or another and are facing major changes in their lives, in some cases expected changes, in others unexpected and unwanted changes. The father is losing his mind because of Parkinson's disease; the oldest son is clinically depressed; the next oldest is failing in his professional life; the younger daughter is having an affair, perhaps; and the mother watches all this happening as she seeks ways to amuse herself after a long life giving ..."
Abstract This paper begins by defining the term 'political culture' and then examines how this term relates to both Great Britain and Italy. It looks at the political origins and history of both states and compares the two. It then looks at the countries current political climates and explores whether there are any similarities.
Introduction
What is Political Culture?
Britain - The Politics of Continuity
Contemporary Politics Italy - The Politics of Regionalism
Conclusions
References
From the Paper "Upon first examination, one would think there no two political cultures in the world more unalike than those of Great Britain - the United Kingdom - and Italy, that comparing the two is like comparing a Yorkshire Pudding with a Calabrian Pasta. It is true that Great Britain is the first modern nation-state, and was such when the King of France ruled little more than the Ile de France and was not as great as his nobles. Italians were busy killing each other off in the internecine wars of small city-states as Britain founded the first great western empire since that founded by the Romans. The nation of Italy has only a bit more than 150 years as a unified state - one that has never settled into unification easily. Yet there are more things in common between these two cultures than one might suppose at first."
A paper that analyzes and hypothesizes that political theaters, such as El Teatro Campesino and the San Francisco Mime Troupe, serve as the voice for the Chicanos in U.S. contemporary society.
Abstract This paper examines how political theaters, such as El Teatro Campesino and the San Francisco Mime Troupe, play an important role in highlighting social and political problems and creating a need for change that both unites and inspires society to fight for justice. It looks at how practices upheld by political theaters like these, if projected in the proper manner, instigate and promote socio-political movements. It also discusses how the political theater forum has altered and adapted with the times and according to the socio-political climate of the culture it portrays.
Outline
Thesis Statement
Introduction
Evolution of Modern Political Theater in America
The Chicano Element
San Francisco Mime Troupe
El Teatro Campesino
Brecht's Philosophy and Chicano Theater
From the Paper "El Teatro Campesino was formed in 1965; several years after the SFMT had been in existence. It was the conception of Cesar Chavez leader of the United Farmworkers Organizing Committee (UFWOC) and Luis Valdez who had recently left the SFMT. (Author not available 2001) The Farmworkers Theater or El Teatro Campesino was formed in reaction to the famous Delano Grape Pickers' Strike. (Author not available 2001) Valdez was guided by a political and artistic vision and with his roots in the farmworking class of Delano, and his experience with the SFMT in translating controversial social issues into political theater, and formal training in drama he decided to help raise funds for the Chicano farmworking community through political theatre."
Abstract This paper discusses the major feminist critiques of mainstream political science and the contributions feminism has made to the study of political participation. The paper further attempts to provide an understanding and appreciation of the sphere of influence of feminism on politics.
Outline:
Abstract
Feminist Critiques of Mainstream Political Science
Feminist Contributions to the Study of Political Participation
Feminism's Effect on the Study of Political Participation
Conclusion
From the Paper "On a strategic level, the advancement of women into the halls of higher learning institutions contributed to political studies from both sides of the classroom in a sense. Female students, now empowered by a clearer sense of political identity and their role in the feminist movement, began to challenge the course content which usually portrayed men as superior in intelligence, nerve, and political ability, thereby making them politically superior to women. Female students also fought for the right to have access to the same educational institutions and resources as their male counterparts (Ali, 2000). Eventually, having earned degrees of higher learning as well as political power, feminists rose to the role of instructor in many educational settings, giving them a pulpit from which to share the practical realities and advantages of feminist thought and practice."
An analysis of Stephen Skowronek's theory of presidential leadership and political time in his book "The Politics Presidents Make", applied to the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq.
Abstract This paper examines the concept of presidential leadership and the theory of political time delineated in Stephen Skowronek's "The Politics Presidents Make". The idea of political time means first that the given president is situated at different points in the life-cycle of a given political regime and, second, that presidents stand in different relation to the dominant political regime and its "regime party." The paper also focuses on what Skowronek calls "orthodox-innovators", or leaders whose actions are strongly influenced by the ulterior motives of his regime. The paper considers how this applies to the current war in Iraq and to the actions of George W. Bush in taking the U.S. into that war. It concludes that this issue has been much argued since the start of that war and will continue to be discussed far into the future, not simply until the war ends but long after as historians and others seek to understand the rationale for this war.
Outline:
Introduction
Political Time
Political Regime
The Orthodox-Innovator
Iraq
From the Paper "Skowronek identifies the orthodox-innovator as a "faithful son," meaning not a son of a political leader but a son of a political party, movement, or regime that shapes the faithful son's political leanings and career. These are also the presidents who are associated with "a resilient set of governmental commitments" (Skowronek 41). The presidents considered here all fit the mold, meaning James Monroe, James K. Polk, Theodore Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. All emerged from a political tradition they could be expected to support and yet that they in part denied as they pursued their little wars, often in order to assert American power not just to other countries but domestically as well, supposedly correcting earlier failures to do so and thus affirming the strengths their followers want supported, or doing so to counter charges by the opposition of weakness. It is considered less surprising when a Republican president affirms American power by engaging in a military action, for instance, while a Democratic president might do so just to show that the view that Democratic leaders are not able to handle the need for a military response."
