Reference no: EM132759125

Intro to Criminal Justice

Discussion 1

There are many perspectives on justice. Which perspective best represents your own point of view and why? What criteria make up the different definitions of "justice"?

Discussion 2

How do criminal justice professionals measure crime? What are their methods? What, in your opinion, are the strengths and weaknesses of each of these methods, and why?

Discussion 3

Your textbook outlines various kinds of crime classifications. What are they, and how do criminal justice professionals distinguish between these classifications? Provide examples of the different classifications and explain how they belong to one classification over another.

Discussion 4

Consider how private policing has affected public policing agencies. Is private policing better or worse? Why? How are they the same and how are they different?

Discussion 5

What are the relationships among community policing, problem-oriented policing, and intelligence-led policing? Are they similar or are they fundamentally different? Explain your rationale.

Discussion 6

Should "stop and frisk" continue to be an exception to the laws requiring a search warrant? Why or why not? How does "stop and frisk" compare to the other types of warrantless searches and arrests?

Discussion 7

There are many criteria that prosecutors might use to decide whether to proceed with a case or drop it. Do you believe prosecutors should have absolute discretion? Why or why not?

Discussion 8

Due to the excessive criminal court caseloads, plea bargaining is often used. Discuss the pros and cons of plea bargaining and explain the roles of the prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, and victim in the plea negotiation.

Discussion 9

Of the sentencing models discussed in the book, which one do you believe should be used? Defend your position. Is the model you've chosen appropriate for every situation?

Discussion 10

Discuss the effectiveness of parole and how it relates to the problems inmates experience reentering society. What can correctional institutions do-or what should they do-to mitigate prisoner recidivism?

Discussion 11

Research correctional rehabilitation programs in your area or where you're from, and then describe them to the rest of the class (i.e., where, name, focus, size, effectiveness, etc.). Then, provide your reaction to what you found. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of correctional rehabilitation programs like the one you found?

Discussion 12

Consider the trend towards treating juvenile offenders as adults. What implications, positive or negative, are there? Do you think juveniles should be treated or tried as adults?