Reference no: EM133781522
Assignment:
Answer the following questions below and cite the references provided below in the answer as an in text citation? Diversion policies for drug offenses raise strong emotional responses from the public and criminal justice professionals alike. Some believe the creation of front-end problem-solving courts (e.g., drug courts) has had a net-widening effect on the system, increasing the amount of justice involvement in the lives of drug offenders. Others believe these courts help keep people who don't belong in the system from sitting in jail or prison. Where do you stand on problem-solving courts? How is your current position (or the position you hope to hold within criminal justice) affected by this kind of diversion policy and the populations they're designed to help, namely drug offenders and offenders with mental illnesses?
References:
Tonry, M. (2014). Remodeling American sentencing: A ten-step blueprint for moving past mass incarceration. Criminology & Public Policy, 13(4), 503-533.
Focus Questions:
- Tonry argues for the return of components of the Model Penal Code. What are the three admirable premises included in that code? What challenges exist in modern courts that might impede adherence to these premises?
- What are the 10 steps Tonry presents to improve sentencing in America? Are these steps realistic or just altruistic ideals that can't be implemented? Why or why not?
Federal Cocaine Sentences Before and After Passage of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010
Wells, M. J. (2022). Federal cocaine sentences before and after passage of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. American journal of criminal justice, 47(4), 770-794.
Focus Questions:
- What effect did the Fair Sentencing Act have on racial and ethnic disparity in federal cocaine cases?
- Based on the results of this study, how might judges reduce harsh drug-related sentences at the federal level?
Drug Court Participation and Time to Failure: An Examination of Recidivism Across Program Outcome
Gibbs, B. R., & Lytle, R. (2020). Drug court participation and time to failure: An examination of recidivism across program outcome. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 45(2), 215-235.
Focus Questions:
- What did this study identify as the major differences in recidivism between convicted and non-convicted drug court participants?
- What did this study identify as the key difference between those who did not complete drug court and those who did?
20 Years of Portuguese Drug Policy - Developments, Challenges and the Quest for Human Rights
Rêgo, X., Oliveira, M. J., Lameira, C., & Cruz, O. S. (2021). 20 years of Portuguese drug policy - developments, challenges and the quest for human rights. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention and Policy, 16(1), 1-59.
Focus Questions:
- How did the Portuguese Drug Policy Model change Portugal's drug use penalization landscape?
- In which realm do the article's researchers argue that drug use should be placed?
Assessing the Effect of Mental Health Courts on Adult and Juvenile Recidivism: A Meta-Analysis
Fox, B., Miley, L. N., Kortright, K. E., & Wetsman, R. J. (2021). Assessing the effect of mental health Courts on adult and juvenile recidivism: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 46(4), 644-664.