Chapter Seven: Crime in America

Chapter Seven: Crime in America
Law Studies Mr. Hallenus East Jefferson High School

Bell Ringer #X 9/22/2015 What do you think we should do to help reduce the amount of crime in our community? Explain. What do you think we should do to reduce the amount of crime in our nation? Explain. What do you think we should do to reduce the amount of crime among your age group? Explain.

Chapter 7: Crime in America
Chapter Organization You will have a test on terminology (Vocabulary) as well as a test on the overall chapter.

Chapter Seven: Crime in America Key Terms Making Connections
Incarceration Community policing Drunk driving Implied consent Recidivist restitution “criminal law” 2nd Amendment The Controlled Substances Act The Gun Control Act of 1968 The Brady Act Blood-Alcohol Concentration Impaired intoxicated Objective The students will examine crime in the United States. Making Connections Understanding crime in America is vital to looking into the legal process.

Chapter Seven: Crime in America
Lesson Purpose This lesson will help you pass a quiz on Chapter 7 Vocabulary as well as the Chapter 7 Test. In addition, today’s lesson will also help you pass your post test for this course. Getting Started: Crime in America This chapter will examine crime in America. It will look at different kinds of crimes and who commits those crimes as well as the victims of crimes.

Real Life Examples/In your own words…
The Nature of Crimes A crime is something one does or fails to do that is in violation of a law. Also, it is a behavior that a government has set a penalty. Criminal law designates certain conduct “criminal” and other conduct as “noncriminal.” The purpose of law is to protect human rights for all and to regulate human conduct so that people can live in harmony. Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING ON LOOSELEAF.
Activity/Problem 7.1 COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING ON LOOSELEAF. Problem 7.1 pg. 75. Follow all directions as given. Complete letters a through m on looseleaf. You do not have to write the statement. You must use complete sentences and write clearly. Be prepared to defend your responses to the class & teacher.

The Nature of Crimes Obviously, crime has been a problem in the U.S. for a long time. It is difficult to prevent crime. In 2001, nearly 24.2 million people over the age of 12 experienced crime, 24 percent of that crime was violent crime. 8 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

The Nature of Crimes Crime rates are influenced by numerous factors including your location, age, and gender. Also, crime rates are higher in urban areas than in rural areas. People aged between commit more violent crimes than any other group. 9 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

The Nature of Crimes Males commit almost four times as many crimes as females, but the rate for female offenders has increased in recent years. In the year 2001, roughly 68% of female victims knew their offenders whereas 45% of males knew their offenders. 10 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

The Nature of Crimes 35% of victims report that their offender had been using alcohol. Violent crimes are more likely to take place in the daytime, but two-thirds of all rapes occur at night. 11 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Use the little boxes on your note packet to write these theories down.
The Nature of Crimes: Why High Crime Rates? Use the little boxes on your note packet to write these theories down. Theories as to why the crime rate is high: poverty permissive courts unemployment lack of education abuse of alcohol and drugs inadequate police protection 12

Theories as to why the crime rate is high:
The Nature of Crimes: Why High Crime Rates? Use the little boxes on your note packet to write these theories down. Theories as to why the crime rate is high: rising population lack of parental guidance a breakdown in morals an ineffective correctional system little chance of being caught or punished, and the influence of television and films. 13

The Nature of Crimes Some research shows that the stability of the family is a more important factor contributing to the high crime rate than poverty. The U.S. already has some of the toughest criminal laws –as well as the highest incarceration rate of any industrialized nation. 14 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

The Nature of Crimes Studies also show that adding more police officers does not necessarily reduce the overall crime rate. In fact, many communities have embraced the idea of community policing which builds closer connections between the police and the communities they serve. Programs like neighborhood watch and night out against crime would be examples. 15 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Problem 7.4 Open Law Studies textbook to page 80. Complete problem 7.4. Use complete sentences. Be ready to share your responses with the class and be able to defend your responses. 16 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

The Case of Weapons at School Read on page 81 “The Case of Weapons at School.” In a group no larger than 4 people, discuss your opinions about this case and then answer letters A, B, and C on a piece of paper. Prepare to discuss your findings with the class. 17 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Gangs and Crime At one time, violent gangs were thought to operate only in the largest cities in the U.S. However, evidence suggests that gangs are now active in towns and cities of all sizes throughout the country. In a study that took place in 2001, 20 percent of school aged children reported that street gangs were present at school. 18 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Gangs and Crime Gangs existed back in the 19th Century. Those gangs generally were organized along ethnic lines. Even those gangs had names, rules, emblems, initiation rituals, and ways of dressing. Today, gang members range in age from young children to middle aged adults. 19 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Gangs and Crime Graffiti is often used to mark gang territory or to tag particular territory as theirs. Sometimes the graffiti is used to instill fear in the citizens of the neighborhood. Initiation rituals can vary from committing a crime, selling drugs, or for female initiates, engaging in sexual activity with multiple gang members. 20 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Gangs and Crime: Who Joins?? The large percentage of gang members are male, though females do join. Research has shown that young people are at risk for gang entry because of poverty, school failure, substance abuse, family dysfunction, and domestic and community violence. Many gang recruits have low self-esteem and very little adult interaction in their lives. Some youth join gangs to receive attention and to feel a sense of belonging that is missing in their lives. 21 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Gangs and Crime: Stop Gangs Communities have tried to prevent young people from getting involved with gangs by: Outreach and Intervention programs Provide young people things to do, such as sports Increase awareness of the problem and develop opportunities for youth. Organize prevention strategies by placing potential gang members in anti-gang programs. Prosecute gang members for illegal activities Organize neighborhood watch programs. 22 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Problem 7.6 Open the Law Studies textbook to page 84. Write your answers to letters A, B, C, & D. Be prepared to discuss and defend your responses. You must write in complete sentences and write clearly. 23 Real Life Examples/In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Guns and Law

YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!
Guns and the Law Most Americans who own guns/firearms own them legally and use them lawfully. Guns, however, are frequently used in violent crimes. Gun control is a very controversial issue. Groups look to the Second Amendment as protection against government attempts to ban or regulate firearms. The Supreme Court has interpreted the Second Amendment to mean that the state has a right to maintain a militia However, the U.S. Supreme Court has not used the Second Amendment to strike down federal, state, or local legislation that control guns. The primary federal gun control law is the Gun Control Act of 1968, passed after the murders of Robert Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The law prohibits certain categories of people from buying or possessing weapons: felons, minors, and illegal aliens. In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Guns and the Law The act also requires serial numbers on all guns. In 1993, the Brady Act was passed required the attorney general to create a system to create a national system to instantly check the background of people who want to buy guns. Some states have passed laws that require a person to take a training course or a test before buying a gun. State laws can also allow a person to carry a concealed weapon for the purpose of self-defense. 26 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Problem 7.7 Working together with a partner, answer the two questions and be prepared to defend your responses to the class. Write your answers on one sheet of paper. Both names go on the paper. Both people’s handwriting should be on the paper you turn into me. 27 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Substance Abuse and Crime
Substance abuse has been used recently to refer to all different kinds of chemicals that people abuse, including alcohol and drugs –both legal and illegal. Substance abuse contributes to many social problems, including the break-up of the family, decreased productivity, injuries in the workplace, & automobile crashes. (Remember in U.S. History, during the prohibition era, people favored prohibition to reduce the abuse of family members, increase productivity, as well as reduce workplace accidents.) 28 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Substance Abuse and Crime: Alcohol
Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the U.S. This is due to the fact that drinking alcohol is generally socially acceptable in our society. Though, in some countries alcohol use is a criminal offense, for example, in Saudi Arabia. Alcohol use is a factor in 35% of violent crimes committed in the U.S. in And two-thirds of the victims who suffered violence by a spouse, former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend report that alcohol has been a factor. 29 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Drunk driving is used in a general sense to refer to the legal terms driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving while under the influence (DUI). Legally these two terms have meanings more precise than their meanings in everyday usage. The legal definition of DWI/DUI refers to a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The BAC indicates the grams per deciliter (g/dl) of alcohol in the blood. A person’s BAC can be determined through a Breathalyzer test or from urine or blood samples. 30 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Alcohol is a mind-altering drug, and tests have indicated that thinking and reaction time are affected in varying degrees by the level of alcohol in the blood system. The legal limit of alcohol (BAC) varies from state to state. However, an individual is considered impaired when the BAC is between 0.01 g/dl and 0.09 g/dl, and intoxicated when the BAC is 0.10 g/dl or greater. In Louisiana, drivers under 21 years old found to have a BAC of at least 0.02 g/dl will be charged with DWI. Drivers 21 years old and over found to have a BAC of at least 0.08 g/dl will be charged with DWI. 31 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

There are a variety of penalties for DUI/DWI:
Substance Abuse and Crime: Alcohol Every state in the country has a DUI/DWI law. In 2010, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. There are a variety of penalties for DUI/DWI: monetary fine enrollment in DWI school community service suspended license revoked license jail Any combination of these penalties may be imposed on a convicted drunk driver. 32 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

There are a variety of penalties for DUI/DWI: enrollment in DWI school
Substance Abuse and Crime: Alcohol Every state in the country has a DUI/DWI law. In 2010, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. There are a variety of penalties for DUI/DWI: Any combination of these penalties may be imposed on a convicted drunk driver. 1 2 3 4 5 6 monetary fine enrollment in DWI school community service suspended license revoked license jail 33 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Repeat offenders will likely face a much tougher penalty. In fact, most states send repeat offenders to jail. If a driver is stopped, he/she may choose NOT to take a breathalyzer test or an alcohol test. Most states have what is known as implied consent laws under which the driver agrees to submit to a BAC test in exchange for the privilege of driving. In those states with implied consent laws, refusal to take the test could result in an immediate and automatic suspension of the driver’s license for a certain period of time, even if the driver is found NOT GUILTY of DWI/DUI. 34 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Young people are at GREATER RISK of being injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents than are people of any other age group. This is due to the fact that teens are affected by alcohol faster and to a greater extent than adults and because teens tend to be less-experienced drivers. Roughly 40 percent of all highway fatalities involved alcohol in 2001. Organization such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have helped raise awareness and as a result have helped reduce drunk driving. 35 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Arrests for DUI peaked in the early 1980s and started to decline by the early 1990s. Although total arrests for DUI declined by over 20% from 1991 to 2000, underage drinking continues to be a very significant problem. 36 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Substance Abuse and Crime: Drugs
Illegal drug use is not something new, however its effects have touched nearly everyone in American society. The drug industry has led to a dramatic increase in criminal activity which places an overwhelming burden on our criminal justice system because so many people are arrested for selling or possessing drugs. Between 50 and 75 percent of people taken into the criminal justice system test positive for one or more drugs at the time of their arrest. 37 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Possession, distribution, or sale of certain drugs is a crime that may violate federal law, state law, or both. Drugs such as heroin are addictive and can disrupt/destroy the personal life of the user. The federal drug law, known as The Controlled Substances Act, classifies drugs into five groups, depending on medical use (if any), the potential for abuse, and the capability to create physical or psychological addiction. The penalties and criminal sanctions are different for each of the five groups. 38 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Schedule I substances are those that have the following findings:
Substance Abuse and Crime: Drugs Schedule I: Schedule I substances are those that have the following findings: The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse. The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision. Examples: Heroin, LSD, marijuana, MDMA (ecstasy) , Quaaludes. 39 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Schedule II substances are those that have the following findings:
Substance Abuse and Crime: Drugs Schedule II: Schedule II substances are those that have the following findings: The drug or other substances have a high potential for abuse. The drug or other substances have currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, or currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples: cocaine, PCP, Ritalin (methylphenidate, amphetamine mixed salts (Adderall), opium, oxycodone, hydrocodone (vicodin, lortab), & morphine. 40 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Schedule III substances are those that have the following findings:
Substance Abuse and Crime: Drugs Schedule III: Schedule III substances are those that have the following findings: The drug or other substance has a potential for abuse less than the drugs or other substances in schedules I and II. The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Examples: certain steroids, Xyrem, Marinol, etc. 41 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Schedule IV substances are those that have the following findings:
Substance Abuse and Crime: Drugs Schedule IV Schedule IV substances are those that have the following findings: The drug or other substance has a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule III. The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule III. Examples: Benzodiazepines such as Xanax & valium, 42

Schedule V substances are those that have the following findings:
Substance Abuse and Crime: Drugs Schedule V: Schedule V substances are those that have the following findings: The drug or other substance has a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule IV. The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule IV. Examples: cough suppressants containing small amounts of codeine, lyrica, & others. 43

Federal laws and most state laws now carry harsher penalties for drug offenders than they once did. Selling or even possessing large amounts with intent to sell often face mandatory jail terms even for their first offense. In an effort to combat drug-related crime, over 40 states have passed some type of repeat offender law, also known as RECIDIVST law. These laws require long sentences including sentences of life in prison without parole for those people who are repeatedly convicted of the same crime, even minor crimes. 44 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Due to escalating drug use and drug-related violence, an argument has been presented that suggest American society should consider legalizing certain drugs with marijuana being at the top of the list. We have seen public opinion on marijuana change as states like Colorado & Washington have legalized recreational use of marijuana. While other states have legalized medicinal marijuana. During the 2015 legislative session, Louisiana voted to reduce criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. 45 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Proponents of this legislation argue that the “War on Drugs” is a failure, that as long as drugs are illegal we are creating a market for their illegal sale, finally the U.S. would be better able to control the sale and use of drugs if the laws changed from drug prohibition to drug regulation. Some also argue that the drug use is a health problem and that it is hypocritical to have legal alcohol and tobacco while restricting the use of drugs, since alcohol and tobacco –according to studies- are harmful to people and cause many more deaths than drugs. 46 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Another argument for legalizing drugs like marijuana is that it can be used for medical purposes. Often patients with glaucoma or cancer are “prescribed” marijuana to help with the pain or to help fight the disease. We have seen many states remove criminal penalties for medicinal marijuana use. Those opposed to drug legalization argue that by legalizing drugs, it would make them easier to get and therefore would lead to greater drug use, lead to more deaths, and increase other drug related problems. Ultimately they believe drug legalization would result in the “addicting of America” and would endanger American society as a whole. How do you feel about this statement? Answer in the In Your Own Words segment… 47 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Victims of Crime We are all affected by crime. However, those affected the most are the victims of crime. Crime affects people of all segments of our society: young, old, rich, poor, and among all people of all racial and ethnic groups. Teens and young adults are more likely to be victims of crime than any other age group. (WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS SO?) 48 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Victims of Crime According to some older statistics from 2001, people aged from 12 to 24 years old were victims of violent crime at higher rates than any other age group. In age group 12 – 15, 55 out of every 1,000 were victims of violent crime, compared to 3 of every 1,000 people over the age of 65. Gender, socioeconomic status, race, and location are also factors that contribute to the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime. With the exception of rape and sexual assault males are more frequently the victims of violent crime. 49 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Victims of Crime Another factor that determines the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime is income. People from lower income households are more likely to be victims of crime than those with higher incomes. If a person is a minority, lives in urban areas, and those people who rent their homes are also more likely to be victims of crime than people who are white, non-urban, and property owners (home owners). 50 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Victims of Crime An example to make this point very clear, back in % of all murder victims were African-American even though only 12% of the U.S. population were African-American. Recently people have shown an increased interest in helping victims of crime. Most states have programs to assist victims of crime. For example, there are counseling programs, medical care, as well as other services and benefits to aid crime victims. 51 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Victims of Crime Many states also have what are known as Victim Compensation laws which provide some financial assistance to help with medical bills, making up lost salary, and in some cases paying funeral costs and death benefits to victims families. Do you agree with helping the victims & their families financially? (Answer this in the In Your Own Words Section…) Some states allow prosecutors to submit victim impact statements to the court when a convicted person is being sentenced for their crime. The impact statements show the effect of the defendant’s crime on the victim’s physical and psychological well-being. 52 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Victims of Crime Sometimes the courts will order RESTITUTION which requires criminals to pay back or compensate the victims of their crimes. For example, you see this frequently with cases involving vandalism. Advocacy groups are also playing a more significant role in the criminal justice system. Primarily they help the victims throughout their trauma as well as protecting the rights of the victims. 53 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Victims of Crime Most advocacy groups deal with specific crimes like drunk-driving, spousal abuse, rape, & child abuse. Groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) have been instrumental in bringing attention to the problem of drunk driving and increasing the punishment for people caught and convicted of driving while intoxicated. 54 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Preventing and Reporting Crime
Worrying about crime is normal –almost everyone worries about it. You can help fight crime by learning to protect yourself. Of course this means knowing both HOW to prevent crime and WHAT to do if you are ever a victim of crime. When you report crime, you help prevent others from being victims in the future! 55 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Preventing and Reporting Crime
There are some steps you can take to help reduce the risk of crime: Report suspicious activity to the police. Always lock your doors & windows. When at home, do not open the door unless you know who is outside. Be alert, especially in high crime areas. Use the buddy system –you are more likely to be targeted if you are alone. Do not flash money in public –”don’t be stuntin’…” If you witness a crime or are a victim of crime –stay calm and call the police. Give the police as much information as you can. 56 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Preventing and Reporting Crime: If You Become A Victim
There are two different views on what to do if you believe you are about to become a victim. The first theory says that you should not fight back. For property crimes, many believe you should give up your property without objection to avoid injury or death. The second theory is to resist the assailant. Many advocate learning self-defense techniques to protect yourself in the event of a personal crime. Some advocate carrying a weapon, but in many states a concealed-carry permit is required. 57 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Preventing and Reporting Crime: If You Become A Victim
If you do fight back, be aware that you risk injury and even death. Know your limitations. If the criminal has a weapon, assume it is going to be used. Remember also that criminals do not want an audience so if your are able to scream or blow a whistle do so if you know you will be heard. Finally, call the police as soon as possible –the longer you wait, the more likely the criminal will get away. 58 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

Getting Help: Survivors of Crime
There are two programs that help victims of crime. They are the National Center for Victims of Crime –this is a non-governmental organization. The second is the Office for Victims of Crime –this organization is federally administrated (government). 59 In your own words… YOU MUST DO THIS TO GET CREDIT!

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