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The Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Procedures, 2002.
This paper creates a paradigm of our criminal justice system, the federal sentencing guidelines and procedures.
1,470 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes and examines the multitude of issues related to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Procedures. The author discusses issues concerning crime in general and gives an overview and evaluation of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Procedures. This paper concludes with recommendations for resolving the crime problem and improving the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Procedures.
From the Paper
"Since the early 1970s, no public problem has worried Americans more persistently than crime. When individuals are asked in opinion surveys to list the problems that concern them most, the threat of crime typically comes at or near the top of the list. However, when the same people list the issues on which they will decide which candidate to vote for, crime usually comes behind half-a-dozen other subjects. The most likely explanation for why individuals are so concerned about crime is that crime extends wide and far, impacting individuals and society on an emotional, financial, and physical level. Additionally, crime intrigues academics as well as politicians because despite the vast expenditures on multiple programs and theories, there has not been any concrete, tried and proven answer regarding how to solve crime."
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Federal Drug Offenders' Sentencing Guidelines, 2005.
This paper argues against mandatory minimum sentencing federal guidelines for drug offenders.
2,455 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 21 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the high federal prison rate, resulting in the overcrowding of federal prisons, is caused by the long, unjust and ineffective sentences required by the federal mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines. The author points out that re-instituting federal parole or instituting programs similar to the programs of the state drug courts would help reconcile the issue of the ever increasing prison population and the related ever increasing cost. The paper recommends federal parole, which would allow inmates to be released from prison earlier than their imposed sentence with very specific rules to abide-by overseen by a parole officer, and required drug treatment for addicts.
From the Paper
"Drug laws were first enacted in 1914 with the Harrison Narcotics Act, which taxed narcotics and required those who dispensed drugs to obtain a license. The Harrison Narcotics Act specifically targeted the growing number of opiate addicts in the United States after the Civil War. The sale of opium and cocaine were regulated, and later the prohibition of production and importation of heroin were all included in this Act. In 1937, marijuana was characterized as a narcotic, and was taxed and legislated by the Marijuana Tax Act. The Narcotics Control Act of 1956 introduced the first law requiring mandatory prison sentences for using and selling illegal substances."
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Race and Sentencing Guidelines, 2004.
A look at the extent to which race plays a role in the different sentencing ranges applicable to different crimes.
8,519 words (approx. 34.1 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 180.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how race has been a consideration in sentencing guidelines for quite some time and how there is a concern that perhaps the sentencing guidelines and the entire criminal justice system are racially biased. It attempts to show that there is disparity between the sentencing guidelines given to Caucasians and non-Caucasians and looks at the extent race plays a part in the prosecution for different crimes. In an effort to be fair, opposing views are discussed, and the problems and proposed solutions are discussed as well. It also shows how it can be seen that individuals who are of minority races often meet with harsher punishments than others who come into the criminal justice system.
Outline
Introduction
Is it Discrimination?
Courts, Judges and the Real World
The Burden of Proof and Suspicion
Minorities and the Law
Drug Laws and Minorities
Minorities, the Death Penalty and the Community
From the Paper
"There are Caucasian individuals in this country that would argue that minority races have more crime and that they are not as good of individuals as those of Caucasian ancestry. However, this does not necessarily mean that this observation is accurate. One must consider the possibility that those that are of minority race in this country are not committing crimes at a higher rate, but that they are being targeted at a higher rate and therefore the crimes that they do commit are being discovered more than the crimes that are committed by Caucasian individuals . Many of these crimes relate to drugs and so the main focus of this paper will be on the issue of drug crimes. However, other crimes will be considered in order to show that this is something that travels across the entire criminal spectrum and is not limited to one area of crime. This is important to understand because it indicates the racial biases that individuals in this country hold are not related to the particular type of crime and are tied only to the race of the individual in question."
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Federal Sentencing Guidelines, 1995.
Discusses their purpose, effectiveness, application, judicial process leading to sentencing, plea bargaining, roles and reactions of judges and attorneys, problems and constitutional issues.
5,625 words (approx. 22.5 pages), 52 sources, $ 135.95
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From the Paper
"Sentencing Guidelines
This paper will discuss the various issues which have arisen from the adoption of sentencing guidelines in the United States. The focus of the paper will be upon the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which are the most visible of all the sentencing guidelines which have been enacted throughout the United States since the late 1970s, and have been the most criticized. The first part of the paper will describe the background of the federal sentencing Guidelines and the Guidelines themselves. The second part will discuss the effects the Guidelines have had on sentencing in the federal criminal justice system. The third part will examine the problems which have arisen since the implementation of the Guidelines and discuss the criticisms of the Guidelines."
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Policies of Sentencing, 2007.
An analysis of the changing nature of criminal sentencing guidelines.
957 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of criminal justice. Specifically it discusses why criminal sentencing guidelines are set up the way that they are. It looks at the history of sentencing and discusses some of the controversial aspects of sentencing policies. It then looks at ways that policies on sentencing could be improved.
From the Paper
"However, there are exceptions to sentencing guidelines in modern criminal sentencing, and that is one aspect of sentencing that brings forth many critics. The most controversial aspect of sentencing are mandatory guidelines for specific crimes, and many people feel these mandatory sentences simply do not work. Often the sentences are too long in these cases, or the history of the criminal and the facts of the crime are not brought into being. In short, there are exceptions to all rules, specially these (Bowman, 2003, p. B05). This is evident in statistics since 1970. During that time, the prison population has more than quadrupled, indicating a harder line, mandatory approach to many criminals in the sentencing process (Reitz, 2000, p. 541). Rehabilitation has become far less desirable, while alternative forms of punishment, such as house arrest and community service have been investigated as punishment for some "white-collar" crimes."
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Mandatory Sentencing, 2004.
A discussion of mandatory sentencing, its effect on the criminals and society in general.
3,653 words (approx. 14.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 101.95
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Abstract
This paper deals with the mandatory sentencing guidelines and how they relate to the overcrowding that is taking place in prisons today. There is a distinct correlation between these two issues, which must be explored in order to determine what should be done about it and how the overcrowding in prisons can be alleviated, while still ensuring that criminals are punished according to the severity of their crimes. The first section includes a literature review, where seven scholarly sources are looked at in order to discuss the problems that come from prison overcrowding and what the sentencing guidelines mean for this.
From the Paper
"Naturally, the government is desirous of removing drug dealers and other criminals from the streets and undercover operations are often undertaken in the war on drugs in order to remove many of these undesirable individuals from society (Heaney, 161). Unfortunately, this necessitates undercover operations and there is often an amount of discretionary power that is just considered to be enormous when looked at realistically (Heaney, 161). Government agents have complete and total control over how long a particular drug operation lasts, who is targeted for it, and the amount of drugs that may or may not be involved in a particular transaction (Heaney, 161). Because this level of authority is so very high there is a strong risk of abusing it."
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Cocaine Crime Sentencing, 2005.
A comparative analysis of crack cocaine versus powder cocaine sentencing disparities.
6,800 words (approx. 27.2 pages), 30 sources, APA, $ 154.95
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Abstract
After a decade of contentious debate regarding the federal sentencing disparities between crack cocaine and powder cocaine, a number of significant initiatives to reform current policy have recently emerged. These include legislation introduced in Congress and a series of hearings resulting in recommendations by the United States Sentencing Commission. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the sentencing disparities with regard to crack cocaine as compared to powder cocaine. It examines the development of federal legislation creating greater criminal penalties for crack cocaine than powder cocaine and assesses recent developments, studies, and research in an effort to resolve the sentencing disparities. Finally, it offers recommendations to resolve this sentencing issue for future legislation, law enforcement agencies, and federal and local governments.
Paper Outline
Executive Summary
Introduction
Background of Cocaine
Statement of the Problem
Impact of Disparity in Sentencing
Demographic Profile of Federal Cocaine Offenders
Operational Assumptions
Statistical Analysis
Significance of the Research
Review of Related Literature
Recommendations and Hypothesis
Proposed Methodology
Proposed Data Collection
Research Findings
Results
Recommendations
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"A possible question for policy makers is whether the career offender guideline, especially as it applies to repeat drug traffickers, clearly promotes an important purpose of sentencing. Unlike repeat violent offenders, whose incapacitation may protect the public from additional crimes by the offender, criminologists and law enforcement officials have noted that retail-level drug traffickers are readily replaced by new drug sellers so long as the demand for a drug remains high. Incapacitating a low-level drug seller prevents little, if any, drug selling; the crime is simply committed by someone else."
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Racial Discrimination in Sentencing, 2004.
An analysis of "Judging Judicial Discretion: Legal Factors and Racial Discrimination in Sentencing" by S. Bushway and A. Piehl.
996 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the article "Judging Judicial Discretion: Legal Factors and Racial Discrimination in Sentencing" where the authors attempt to determine whether judges in Maryland are racially discriminatory in their sentencing decisions. The paper studies their hypothesis that even in a state with voluntary sentencing guidelines, African-American offenders are being sentenced more harshly than whites. The paper looks at the trend the authors discovered regarding judges hiding behind legal factors to issue disparate sentences and agrees with the authors' conclusion that discrimination is happening in sentencing.
From the Paper
"The authors first started by explaining previous research on racial discrimination in sentencing. The issue of warranted and unwarranted disparity was very important to understanding the different approaches to this topic. As discussed in our textbook, African Americans tend to have longer criminal histories and they are charged with more serious crimes. In the article it was explained that most researchers separate warranted disparity, such as a harsher sentence because of a long criminal history, and unwarranted disparity, which can only be explained by race or other extra-legal influences on the sentencing decision (Bushway & Piehl, 2001). The authors state, "there is little evidence of direct racial discrimination once these legal factors are included in the statistical models" (Bushway & Piehl, 2001, p. 734). However, the authors contend that by taking out the warranted cases the discrimination is actually masked because there is disparity in those cases. This is discussed further in their findings."
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Sentencing Disparities, 2007.
This paper presents a literature review on the sentencing disparities between crack versus powder cocaine use.
4,382 words (approx. 17.5 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 115.95
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Abstract
This paper evaluates several issues that may affect sentencing disparities for abusing crack as opposed to powder cocaine. Among these issues examined is race and its impact on sentencing. Gender issues are also considered, as are the pre-natal effects of these drugs. The writer clarifies the difference between crack and powder cocaine and how this may also influence sentencing.
Outline:
Sentencing Disparities
Cocaine and 'Crack Babies'
Past Research
Moral and Legal Issues
Development
Bibliography
From the Paper
"There are more African-American individuals on death row than white individuals and most of these individuals awaiting execution have committed drug crimes, many of which involved crack, and less that involved powder cocaine (Pope, 1976). Even the Attorney General of the United States is willing to admit that drug laws are the main reason that there are so many African-Americans on death row today and that African-Americans are arrested at a higher rate for these types of crimes than Caucasian individuals (Pope, 1976). While this may seem irrelevant to a discussion of crack vs. powder cocaine specifically, the issue of minority status is actually somewhat important in sentencing guidelines for all crimes, although it is not an issue that judges are legally allowed to use."
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Bias in Sentencing, 2005.
This paper discusses racial and ethnic bias in criminal sentencing.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 87.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the issue of racial and ethnic bias in criminal sentencing and notes the disparity in death penalty sentencing. The paper discusses the influence of racial perception in sentencing decisions and the concept of stereotyping. The paper examines the harsh sentences for drug-related crimes and blacks.
From the Paper
"Numerous reports have established there is racial disparity in criminal sentencing in the United States. The Sentencing Project states that rates of incarceration by the Commission finds racial disparity in jail sentences."
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Truth in Sentencing, 2005.
An overview of truth-in-sentencing laws governing state prisons.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of truth-in-sentencing laws governing State prisons and the Violent Offenders Initiative/Truth in Sentencing Program enacted by Congress in 1996. It looks at how these laws are part of the justice system's efforts to reform sentencing.
From the Paper
"In three decades there have been five major periods of reform. First was the introduction of indeterminate sentencing which was common in the ..."
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Asthma Guidelines, 2002.
This paper assesses the effectiveness of asthma guidelines on reducing the number of unnecessary clinic visits.
5,312 words (approx. 21.2 pages), 17 sources, MLA, $ 131.95
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Abstract
A thorough study of the basic guidelines on asthma management which includes avoidance of triggers, education aimed at prevention and control of the condition, regular follow-ups, and an action plan that relies on symptoms and lung function measurements for the monitoring of disease severity. The paper explains that the goals of these guidelines are to reduce asthma-related illness and death and to enhance the quality of life of asthma patients. The paper tries to determine if there is a relationship between physician compliance with asthma guidelines and the number of asthma episodes reported by caregivers of asthmatic children as well as the frequency of clinic visits.
From the Paper
"In addition to the foregoing, asthma accounts for total annual care costs of more than $6 billion dollars per year in America as well as 15 million physician visits per year (one third of which are made by persons under age 20 years), and over 100 million days of restricted activity. Nearly 5,000 people die from asthma episodes each year, and hundreds of thousands more suffer frightening episodes of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and loss of breath (Higgins, 1997).
One way in which the medical system has responded to this dire health problem has been the development of national and international guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma patients (see: National Institutes of Health, Updated Asthma Guidelines, 1997). These guidelines provide clinicians with several recommendations which are organized into four components of therapy: measures of assessment and monitoring, control of factors contributing to asthma severity, pharmacologic therapy, and education for a partnership in asthma care. The recommendations were formulated based on current information in the available scientific literature and the consensus of an expert panel."
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Crown Arguments and Sentencing in Canada, 2007.
A look at two cases dealing with crown arguments and lower criminal sentencing in Canada.
1,945 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper refers to two scenarios that can be seen as usual in lower Canadian criminal courts, in comparatively minor charges, with various circumstances to be determined by prosecutors towards recommendations for sentencing. The paper attempts to further understanding about the resistance Canadians show towards the concept of minimum sentences and, on the other hand, why the Canadian public often discusses sentencing as too lenient.
Outline:
Introduction
Case I
Case II
Reflection
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper
" The matter of a young woman charged with assault and possession of a dangerous weapon does not really involve a dangerous weapon, at all. The young person had made a verbal threat to inject the AIDS virus into a neighbour she claimed had caused a disturbance, on his property, as would be dismissed in terms of whether or not the needle had contained the AIDS virus or the offender's actual intent. A syringe may point to the offender's drug use but it is not illegal to possess one in contrast with selling an item pertaining to illicit drug use. As the matter involves uttering a threat, or assault with a weapon, implying a threat while holding a weapon, considered loosely under this charge, the Crown might request a penalty approximating a compromise between assault with a weapon and mischief. "
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Juvenile Sentencing, 2007.
This paper explores the different sentences in two high profile juvenile murder cases.
1,184 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper explores whether children should be sentenced to adult sentences for their crimes and whether the same sentencing rules must apply across the board. The paper discusses the case of Lionel Tate who claims to have accidentally killed a six year old and the case of Derrek and Alex King who admitted to killing their father purposely. The paper shows how the sentences were vastly different; a life sentence without the possibility of parole for Tate while the King boys are in a juvenile detention center only until they are 21 years old. The paper notes the different color of skin of the defendants, as well as whether they had a public defender or a paid attorney on their side.
Outline:
Introduction
Comparing
Defenses
Punishment
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The nation has been horrified in recent years due to children committing adult crimes. Whether it is the Columbine case, a teen murdering his father or a teen killing a child, the idea that children are now capable of such violence is almost more than the mind can fathom. Yet every year there are cases in the news. The outcome of a case in which a minor is involved is often a bone of contention in debates. Should children be sentenced to adult sentences for their crimes and if so should the same sentencing rules apply across the board?"
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Mandatory Minimum Sentencing, 2002.
An examination of the principles behind mandatory minimum sentencing.
989 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the issues concerning mandatory minimum sentencing, created by politicians convinced that crime was out of control. It looks at how the public wanted something done and that one aspect of the problem was that judges were exercising too much discretion and not sending enough people to prison for a long enough period of time. It discusses how mandatory minimum sentencing began as a tool in the drug war in 1986 when House Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr. ordered his Democratic committee chairmen to produce a crime bill that toughened penalties on drug dealers.
From the Paper
"There is considerable public support for the idea that criminals need to be given harsher punishment and almost none for the idea that some other means should be taken to reduce crime. Those concerned about crime can point to a number of statistical studies to show that crime is increasing and is not being punished at the level the public would prefer. A National Punishment Survey conducted by the Population and Society Research Center at Bowling Green State University in 1987 showed that the public recommends prison sentences for a variety of violent and other serious crimes that would be approximately three times longer than offenders actually serve."
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