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Published byJune Casey Modified over 9 years ago
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The Criminal Justice System
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Approaches to Crime Control Deterrence: the threat of punishment does deter crime if the individual knows: ▫They are likely to get caught ▫Punishment will be severe Deterrence doesn’t have that effect in the US because punishment for crime isn’t certain, swift, or severe
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Approaches to Crime Control Retribution ▫Criminals are forced to pay compensation for their acts ▫Doesn’t give individuals the ability to take the law into their own hands
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Incarceration Theory: Criminals that aren’t on the street cannot commit crimes 3 strikes law: if an individual violates the law 3 times, on the third time they receive life in prison
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Prison rehabs Most prisons have programs to help prisoners develop social and work skills Recidivism: more than ½ of the individuals that are released end up back in jail in 3-5 years ▫Why? Basic nature of offenders Influences of more hardened criminals Stigma of being an ex-con The toughness of jail transfers over to real life
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Alternatives Shock probation: part of the time served in prison, the rest on probation Community-based programs: reintroduce criminals into society ▫Half-way houses Diversion strategy: no prison, referred to a community based treatment program ▫Ideas is to reduce the stigma of being a criminal
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Inequalities in the Justice System Why are some individuals treated differently? ▫Some people can’t afford good legal service ▫Crimes against whites are punished more severely ▫Victim discounting: reduces the sentence of crime directed at members of lower social classes
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Inequalities in Punishments White collar crimes are more lenient than other crimes ▫Probation is given more than jail ▫If jail time is handed down: Its shorter than the average sentence Offenders are placed in prisons with extra amenities
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