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Social Learning Theory: Application to School Shootings and Violence, 2007.
An examination of social learning theory focusing on the case of Luke Woodham and the murders that occurred in Mississippi in October of 1998.
3,667 words (approx. 14.7 pages), 20 sources, APA, $ 101.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses school shootings in America, focusing on the case of Luke Woodham and his violent acts in October of 1998. The paper explains that this case is used as an example of criminal acts that are conducted by children and the case is examined through social learning theory. The paper explores the foundations of social learning theory and arguments against this theory in relation to school shootings are also discussed. Furthermore, the paper examines how social learning theory can be used as a predictor of school violence and then discusses the prevention techniques that have been offered and that must be implemented in order to address the issue. In conclusion, the paper shows that for the criminal justice system and society as whole it is evident that the only answer to school shootings and violence is to begin to work together in a manner that allows for preventative measures to be taken and for children to once again have faith that the adults who are supposed to protect them will and that the world that is supposed to be supportive of them will function to accomplish that mission.
Outline:
Abstract
Etiology
Prediction and Prevention
Recommended Criminal Justice Response
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In the case of Woodham and the murders that occurred in Mississippi, it is evident that the conditions described through social learning theory existed and that these conditions contributed to the actions taken by the juvenile. For example, early in his life Woodham became engrossed in the philosophy used by Hitler. It was not difficult for Woodham to witness the results of Hitler's philosophies, as those results are consistently present in the social order as a matter of social history. Woodham was capable of retaining these events because they were constantly reinforced through exposure to the ideas discussed in relation to Hitler through the people that he knew and the studies that he personally conducted."
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Police Corruption, 2006.
An examination of corruption in the police department.
964 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the several theories of police corruption. It explains that the integrity of the criminal justice system is built on a foundation of faith and that public trust is paramount, and corruption by one or two "bad apples" is nearly as destructive to the system as pervasive corruption. The paper discusses the measures that can be taken to restore and preserve the public trust in the police department, and the system at large. The paper concludes that the reliance upon the rule of law to keep society functioning requires the guardians of the system to be of the highest integrity and corruption among those sworn to protect the public diminish the system.
From the Paper
"Thus, the "rotten-apple" theory is comforting, there are only a few corrupt individuals spoiling it for all of those that are good and honest. Fortunately, this comfortable construct is reality, public opinion polls support the notion that police officers are persons of integrity, and can be depended upon to protect the citizenry from the criminal element. When the public is made aware of corruption in the police department through the media, the stories often revolve around one or two officers, or a small group of officers. Rarely do the stories relate to a systemic problem of widespread corruption. However, with each of these incidents a need for reform is put forward with a degree of urgency more compatible with a department run like an organized crime syndicate rather than measures need to be taken to prevent a few more apples from rotting."
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Corrections Administration, 2008.
This paper explores the considerations involved in corrections administration in the United States.
1,815 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
The paper identifies and addresses the key issues pertaining to effective corrections administration. These issues are identified in respect to their historical context and the outcomes that are achieved when policy and practice are implemented and maintained within the correctional facility.
Outline:
Introduction
Changing Organizational Dynamics
Duties of the Administrator
Popular Leadership Models
From the Paper
"Winterdyk (2004) suggests that the foremost consideration in the adult correctional institution is the recognition by administrators and policymakers that many distinctive and seemingly separate areas of the institution are in fact directly connected. He writes that "it is generally accepted that in order to examine anything related to criminal justice in a comparative context, a historical perspective is also required since the phenomenal being studied [...] have developed and evolved under unique economic, political, and social structures" (p. 2). However, he continues to note that a new trend in "comparative issues analysis" has begun, wherein it is increasingly evident that areas of the correctional system are in fact heavily interconnected (p. 6 - 7). This indicates that a broader, more effective study of organizational dynamics within the correctional institution can be accomplished through integration of themes and information that has been acquired in these other domains."
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"Three Strikes" Laws, 2008.
This paper discusses the criticism of the "three strikes" criminal laws.
712 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the view of proponents of 'three strikes' laws, who argue that incarcerating repeat criminals reduces crime. The paper questions the deterrence of these laws and looks at critics who maintain that they actually increase violence, are a financial burden and are discriminatory. The paper discuses the lack of consistency in the legislation and implementation of these laws among states as well as the crippling of judicial and prosecutorial discretion.
From the Paper
"Americans perceive crime as a threat, although statistically violent crime has declined in recent years. (Pfeffer) Responding, many states have adopted "three strikes" laws, based on the idea that a small class of repeat offenders commits the majority of crimes. (Beres & Griffith, 1998; Pfeffer) Proponents of such laws argue that incarcerating "career" criminals reduces crime. Critics call these laws a sloppy response to the problem, only mildly deterrent, and are a financial burden. (Pfeffer)"
"California's was the first "three strikes" law, requiring that criminals with prior felonies be gotten off the street, sentenced to longer prison terms, 25 years to life even if the third crime was a non-violent felony, so that even minor crimes can lead to a life sentence. (Pfeffer)"
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Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York", 2006.
An examination of how Martin Scorsese's film "Gangs of New York", can be seen as an elegy for an earlier, "pastoral", version of America.
1,378 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The paper looks ar Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York" and discusses a number of themes which emerge therein. It explains that Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York" is a elegy which tells of the passing of an age of innocence and the emergence of a new epoch in America which will be characterized by violence, upheaval and - ultimately - by breathtaking industrial and technological innovation. The paper discusses how the film illustrates the pull of atavistic collectivity against the counter-tug of individuality. The writer argues that the film's most dramatic and impressive feature lies in its exposition of the dangers of the gang mentality. The writer concludes that "Gangs of New York" is perhaps not Scorsese's best work, but the motion picture will endure simply because it probes the dark psychology of gang life with a vividness that is unforgettable.
From the Paper
"Suffice it to say, the elegiac overtones are accentuated by the terrific human loss and waste which typify the film - a rather brutal cinematic tour de force which may not be suitable for many audiences. Additionally, the elegiac components of the film are brought into sharp relief by the desire on the part of the main protagonist, Amsterdam Vallon (played passably well by Leonardo Di Caprio), to avenge the savage murder of his father (Scorsese, Gangs of New York). The tragedy at the heart of all of this is that what appears to be a passably bright, charming young man with a promising future ahead of him is now being marred by events from the long-ago past which compel him to rush forward to seek vengeance; in that sense, the film echoes some of the tropes found in Shakespeare's Hamlet - as Nev Pierce of the British Broadcasting Corporation points out (para.5)."
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Judges and the Media, 2008.
This paper looks at the relationship between the decision of judges and the media.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the issue of judicial discretion in relation to the media has long been a source of debate. The writer points out that judges that have the power to allow media in the courtroom also have the power of impacting society, defendants' lives and the manner in which society views the judicial system. These factors are both positive and negative elements in regard to the issue; however, they also lead to one critical conclusion. The writer maintains that when one person has the ultimate authority to adversely impact anyone in society simply because he or she chooses to do so, that person has gained too much control over his or her community. This is because the determining factor in the decision is not weighed by law, nor is it guided by measured personal ethical standards - it is simply made based on an individual opinion. The writer argues that in the United States personal opinions may be allowed, but at no time should they be supported in arbitrarily harming others.
From the Paper
"Pattenden suggests, however, the when judges have the discretion of allowing media into the courtroom for reporting or television coverage there is a risk that may be too significant to overlook. This risk is that through the media coverage the defendant may be condemned before the trial is ever concluded. This is because the media has the ability not only to broadcast images to the public of the trial, but to create commentary on the proceedings as well. That commentary may not ultimately have an affect on the verdict, but it may lead to the public's determination of guilt or innocence of a person. Regardless of the verdict, therefore, that person may be subject to public scrutiny long after the trial has ended, and despite the innocence that has been determined by the jury. When the judge has the sole power to determine whether or not the media should be allowed in a trial that judge is then creating a situation for a secondary trial to exist between the defendant and the public. And it is a trial that may never end."
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Armed Robbery Laws, 2006.
An analysis of the suggestion to increase sentencing for the offense of armed robbery.
1,256 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines if the recommendation toward altering sentencing laws for the offense of armed robbery is valid. It explains that this recommendation is viewed as a means of providing a stronger deterrence to the crime of armed robbery, as well as providing the possibility of sending a message to offenders that this type of crime will not be tolerated throughout society. The writer notes that doubling the base sentence at this time would then set up a situation in which the final punishment is significantly greater than the crime. The writer believes that the intent to alter the basic sentence for armed robbery be halted at this time. The writer further suggests that changes in the basic sentencing for armed robbery may prove to be unconstitutional in relation to excessive sentencing, allowing the guilty to be released and the purpose of any type of legislation in regard to this issue to fail to meet its objectives.
From the Paper
"Armed robbery is considered a serious offense because of the various factors that can be present during the process of the criminal act, to include loss of life due to the presence of a weapon. While there may be changes requested to the sentencing in relation to certain crimes, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines provide the basis by which judges may impose sentence, and until recently this document has served as a mandatory issue in the sentencing in relation to all criminal acts."
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Alcoholism and Police Officers, 2008.
This paper reviews the issue of alcoholism among police officers.
1,628 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the correlation between occupational stress and alcoholism. The writer discusses what police departments can do to mitigate the spread of alcoholism among its officers. The writer also looks at how alcoholism among police officers impacts local communities and tears at the fabric of police families. The paper then suggests what educational and diversionary approaches should be put in place in order to thwart alcoholism from becoming an insuperable problem that can ruin lives and drive a wedge between police/community relations.
From the Paper
"Another thing that Nordlicht's study reveals is just how toxic can be the unreasonable and unhealthy expectations foisted upon police officers by an authoritarian command structure that demands unblinking obedience, a "stiff" facade, and emotional distance in almost all circumstances. Clearly, police administrators who fear that their officers are succumbing to alcoholism need to look closely at how they expect officers to act with one another and with the general public; in other words, if police officers are expected by their superiors to be severe, emotionally withdrawn, fairly unapproachable, and relatively uncommunicative with the public and with each other, then emotional problems can begin to well up as the stresses of the job - stresses which demand that officers confide in someone - start to exact their toll. Consequently, police officials should make every effort to create a collegial atmosphere wherein communication is valued; at the same time, they should also institute community policing programs (if they have not done so already) that bring police officers more nearly into contact with community members. By doing this, by establishing a cooperative relationship with the local neighborhood or precinct, police officers can break down whatever barriers may exist between themselves and the public and make their days a little less stressful simply because they have personal relationships in place now that make their jobs just a little bit easier. Without question, steps such as these will lessen the stresses which can make turning to drink an attractive option."
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Burglary Statistics, 2008.
A statistical comparison of the crime indices of burglary in the Bismarck North Dakota Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) to that of the Macon Georgia MSA.
842 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the crime indices of burglary in the Bismarck North Dakota Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) to that of the Macon Georgia MSA as reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in its annual "Crime in the United States" publication. It then discusses some of the factors that may contribute to the disparity between the two MSA.
From the Paper
"The rate of burglary was highest in Macon in this comparison. The rate for 2005 was 1,383.2 per 100,000. The rates for 2000 and 1995 were 1,235.4 and 1,104.0 respectively. There was one statistical change made in the sampling from 2000 to 2005. The metropolitan statistic area was revised. For the 1995 and 2000 reports Macon included Bibb, Houston, Jones, Peach and Twiggs counties. For the 2005 report, Houston and Peach were replaced with Crawford and Monroe counties. This had an effect on the overall population reported for the MSA. The 1995 population was 313,771, 2000 was 338,029 but 2005 the population was reported as 234,455. The later number must be disregarded when assuming a slowly increasing population trend. The trends are contrasted to the Bismarck data."
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John Gotti, 2008.
A description of the life of crime of John Gotti and his connection to the Gambino crime family.
2,254 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the life and activities of John Gotti. It describes his background as a child and then looks at how he became involved in a life of crime. The paper discusses Gotti's connection to the Gambino crime family and the criminal activities that he performed for them. It also describes the sentences that he served for his various acts of crime up until his death in prison.
From the Paper
"FBI cameras captured it all, from a surveillance post, near his headquarters in Little Italy. Before long, prosecutors were ready to file a new racketeering indictment ("Thug in a Great-Looking Suit, 2002") Determined not to fail a fourth time, Gotti's prosecutors presented a colossal amount of evidence, including six hours of FBI tapes surreptitiously recorded in Gotti's hideaways. They called 38 witnesses, including Gotti's No. 2 man, one of the highest-ranking turncoats in organized crime. (Goodstein, 1992) Wiretaps of Gotti's phone produced compelling evidence against several defendants. (Dunder) The final blow was dealt by his one-time good friend Sammy Gravano. Gravano had decided to flip, becoming the star witness against John Gotti, alter to slip into FBI witness protection program. (Dunder) Gotti, who had proven untouchable in prior trials, faced the testimony of Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano, second in command in the Gambino organization, "translated" the mob lingo for the prosecution. ("Thug in a Great-Looking Suit, 2002")"
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Topics in Criminology, 2008.
This paper discuses four topics in criminology: minimum mandatory sentencing (MMS), a security-minded culture, conditional sentencing and the rational choice theory.
3,585 words (approx. 14.3 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 100.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that minimum mandatory sentencing (MMS) does not effectively induce incapacitation nor does it really deter perpetrators. The author points out that routine precautions against crime create a security-minded culture of distance meaning that the criminal as a person is demonized and seen as belonging to a very different human category. The paper suggests that the unknowing public of Canada may strongly support the federal government's decision to eliminate conditional sentencing and expand the range of serious crimes to which MMS minimum mandatory sentencing apply; however, they do not understand that comparable adjustments in the United States have not reduced crime rates. The author stresses that rational choice theory does not address individuals who are not truly capable of rationality and thus can not make choices based on sound, rational decision.
Table of Contents
Minimum Mandatory Sentencing (MMS)
A Security-Minded Culture
Conditional Sentence
The Rational Choice Theory
From the Paper
"The St. Lawrence Mental Health facility in Ontario is typical of a number of institutions now serving mentally ill medium and maximum security offenders. There are not enough facilities of the kind to serve the mainly federal offenders who would benefit from transfers allowing them to have comprehensive psychiatric care, towards partial or full recovery, as part of their federal sentences. It is plain that many Western countries are seeing persons who are mentally ill rather lost in the criminal justice system as opposed to hospital or other remedial systems."
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Canadian Mandatory Minimum Sentences, 2007.
This paper discuses the advantages and disadvantages of mandatory minimum sentences (MMS) in Canada.
910 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that mandatory minimum sentencing (MMS) rests on aims of deterrence and of incapacitation so that a lawbreaker, who is likely to repeat an offense, is removed as a risk to the public. The author points out that critics of the criminal justice system indicate that, without MMS, immense discrepancies regarding punishment assigned for the same offenses by different parties would exist. The paper also relates that, under MMS, a judge, who is able to discern an irregular circumstance related to a crime, is no longer free to adjust what he or she hands down to an offender. The author concludes that, in Canada, at present, perhaps the strongest argument against MMS is the inadequacy of prison resources and community support services, which would be overloaded because MMS would involve more offenders being assigned to prisons.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Minimum Sentencing in Canada
Defects in Minimum Sentencing
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"Gabor & Crutcher noted how the existence of minimum penalties for an array of crimes to an extent simplifies court proceedings towards reduced court costs, but that these are more than realized in the prison system where many timeservers now incarcerated for minimum sentences. Another factor to be kept in mind is the mentality of a serious offender who may not resent serving prison time as much as he or she may be more adverse to community sentences involving instructions, conditions and probation supervision."
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