Kaplan University Online CJ101 Unit 7 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System

Unit 7 Topics Victim Impact Statements Text, Ch. 11, p. 423 Capital Punishment Text, Ch. 11, p. 426

Victim Impact Statements The in-court use of victim or survivor-supplied information by sentencing authorities seeking to make an informed sentencing decision. The in-court use of victim or survivor-supplied information by sentencing authorities seeking to make an informed sentencing decision. A victim impact statement is generally a written document describing the losses, suffering, and trauma experienced by the crime victim or by the victim’s survivors. A victim impact statement is generally a written document describing the losses, suffering, and trauma experienced by the crime victim or by the victim’s survivors. An alternative to written impact statements and to the appearance of victims at sentencing hearings is the victim impact video. An alternative to written impact statements and to the appearance of victims at sentencing hearings is the victim impact video. One study of the efficacy of victim impact statements found that sentencing decisions are rarely affected by them. One study of the efficacy of victim impact statements found that sentencing decisions are rarely affected by them. Judges and other officials have established ways of making decisions which do not call for explicit information about the impact of crime on victims (pre-determined sentencing guidelines). Judges and other officials have established ways of making decisions which do not call for explicit information about the impact of crime on victims (pre-determined sentencing guidelines).

Capital Punishment AKA: “The ultimate sanction imposed by mankind upon his fellow man” AKA: “The ultimate sanction imposed by mankind upon his fellow man” Capital punishment is the most extreme of all sentencing Capital punishment is the most extreme of all sentencingoptions. Capital offense: A criminal offense punishable Capital offense: A criminal offense punishable by death.

Capital Punishment Some crimes are especially heinous and seem to cry out for extreme punishment. Some crimes are especially heinous and seem to cry out for extreme punishment. Today, 38 of the 50 states and the federal government permit execution for first-degree murder. Today, 38 of the 50 states and the federal government permit execution for first-degree murder. Treason, kidnapping, aggravated rape, the murder of a police or correctional officer, and murder while under a life sentence are punishable by death in selected jurisdictions. Treason, kidnapping, aggravated rape, the murder of a police or correctional officer, and murder while under a life sentence are punishable by death in selected jurisdictions. New York allows for the imposition of a death sentence in cases involving the murder of law enforcement officers, judges, and witnesses and their families. New York allows for the imposition of a death sentence in cases involving the murder of law enforcement officers, judges, and witnesses and their families.

Capital Punishment Class exercise: Conduct poll among students regarding support for or against capital punishment Discussion: Compare results of poll Discussion: Is capital punishment socially accepted today?

Capital Punishment Discussion: Does capital punishment work as a deterrent? Discussion: Are capital punishment sentences equally distributed among our diverse population in America? Data: Methods of execution listed by most used: (1) lethal injection, (2) electrocution As options available to the condemned in certain venues: hanging, gas chamber, and firing squad

Capital Punishment A total of 3,452 offenders were under sentence of death throughout the United States on April 1, A total of 3,452 offenders were under sentence of death throughout the United States on April 1, Latest statistics: 98.5% of those on death row are male, approximately 46% are white, 10% are Hispanic, 42% are African-American, and 2% are of other races. Latest statistics: 98.5% of those on death row are male, approximately 46% are white, 10% are Hispanic, 42% are African-American, and 2% are of other races. Twelve states currently do not have the death penalty: Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Twelve states currently do not have the death penalty: Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Capital Punishment Discussion: Why are males more prone to receive a capital punishment sanction than females who commit the same qualifying offenses? Data: Since death penalty records began (1608), less than 3% of the executions carried out in America have involved women…..Why? Challenge: Research this question to better understand the conflict between social norms and equal justice.