Author: admin

Letter to the Instructor. MY CLASS WORK CHALLENGES

Name

Lecturer

Course

Date

The Letter to the Instructor

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: MY CLASS WORK CHALLENGES

Please, take this as a treatise of the above subject.

I am an English student in this class. I must confess that have greatly benefited from your instructions and guidance in this course. However, I have encountered a number of weaknesses as a writer such as; low language command, inadequate level of creativity as well as failing to adequately meet the needs of my targeted audience.

These weaknesses have given me difficulty in developing into a good writer. In an attempt to redressing these weaknesses, I have attempted to undo my poor reading habits, my being indifferent to literary works and my failure to develop a passion for literary creativity.

These weaknesses have prompted me to invest more in creativity so that I may adequately meet the appalling needs of my targeted audience. I am now able to retain my readers’ attention and interest throughout the story. I am also able to inspire joy and pleasure from those who read my works. I also believe that, my readers are now able to retell my captivating creative piece of literary works more easily since the literature are richer in imagery, folklore, proverbs and excreta.

Have also attempted to be more relevant to the desired needs of my specified audience as well as read more in an attempt to develop my language command and improve the coherence of my language too. In this light, have developed interest in the works of other. This has enabled me to learn from them too. This has greatly made me realize m attendant mistakes and as such have been able to right my wrongs in the preceding precepts.

Have attempted to equally add passion and love to writing and writing resource materials that are of great relevance in writing. This has altogether led to my greater developed capacity for quality writing. I strongly believe that I will derive fulfillment in it over time due to the fact that my writ will be very outstanding.

Moreover, I have cherished consultations and inquiry into this field. This has enriched me with adequate knowledge that has greatly improved my writing capacity per se.

In conclusion, I must also admit that have developed an ardent passion for research in this field of study and this has also contributed greatly to my current level of language competence and my strong capacity in writing as well.

In spite of the above redressed challenges in the course of my study, I must also admit my bias in the type of essays that we handled as a class. For example, the essay that pleased me most pleased was the one with the leadership come political inclination while the one that pleased me least was that which was laden with emotional connotations that on love.

There was little difficulty in the essays that we completed in this class. The essays were within our ability to handle properly well. I must equally add that the format of the class very good too. There was prompt lecture feedback, the quality of notes was equally high and the subsidiary or complementary materials were an apt resource too.

Last but not least, the text book was overly helpful I n entirety since, it gave us guidance, and the methodological flow that enabled us develop a capacity for competent writing.

Yours faithfully,

Your name.

Critical Analysis of a Narrative El-Dorado A Kansas Recessional

Name:

Institution:

Course:

Tutor:

Date:

Critical Analysis of a Narrative: El-Dorado: A Kansas Recessional

Introduction

A narrative usually presents an account of events and seeks to inform the reader about what actually happened. It is a common form of literature that is employed for various purposes. It is often characterized by different attributes that range from the content of the story to the rhetorical characteristics. Various writers assume different styles although the ultimate goal is often to inform the reader about certain events. Of course this is achieved through employment of a host of artistic styles that basically uphold the interest of the reader. It is against this background that this paper provides a critical analysis of the narrative ‘El-Dorado: A Kansas Recessional’ in light of the comprehensive notes of narrative analysis. It is believed that this would enable the reader to not only understand the content of the narrative but also to appreciate the role of artistic features that are employed.

The narrative revolves around a man named Colonel who had various experiences that were influenced by the social and economic changes that were being experienced during this time. He is deceived in to selling off his business so that he could make investments in El-Dorado. He falls for the trap and together with a couple of other men; they leave Solomon Valley with their fortune and head for El Dorado to make vital investments. On reaching there, they realize that it did not have the attributes that they were told before leaving Solomon valley. However, they are made to believe that most of the inhabitants had gone to the east on business operations and would be back in spring. In addition, they realized that the entire investments in the region were owned by a few individuals who also assumed top positions in the society.

In spring, the Gunts, who were their main hosts, leave the place on the premise that their father was dying and required them to be at his bedside. It then dawned on the inhabitants that they had been deceived and shortly after, the creditors destroy and take their property. The population reproaches Colonel who seemed to have had close relations with the Gunts. Notably, he was unaware of their dealings and their relationship had been largely superficial. They are left to wallow in poverty and lead desperate lives. The narrative winds up by indicating that one of the Gunts, Apollo who had returned to El- Dorado at night to pick certain belongings is bitten by a snake. Colonel finds his body, takes the money he had and buries him after saying prayers for him. Afterwards, he leaves with his horse, never to return to El- Dorado again.

Notably, the plot of the story is closed because it provides sufficient regarding the main character and even explains his fate. However, it is also noteworthy that the fate of other inhabitants of El- Dorado is unknown. Nonetheless, it can be contended that the fact that it provided all information regarding the main character makes it closed. The events of the story take a period of two seasons that translates in to approximately half a year. However, the discourse time can be posited to be during the early industrial revolution period. Notably, technology had not reached all segments of the population although it was highly anticipated. In addition, financial institutions were known to the population but their legality had not been clearly established. This was a distinct characteristic of the period of the early industrial revolution in America. At this point, it can be ascertained that the inherent coherence in the narrative is contributed to by the harmonic relationship between the narrative order and the discourse order. In particular, it can not be disputed that the events and characters of the narrative reflect the ideals that were experienced during the early industrial period.

The narrative has numerous characters although the main ones include Connell and the Gunt family that was represented by Apollo. Colonel is portrayed to be kind hearted when he gives the woman food and water when she was traveling to Solomon Valley with her sons. In addition, despite having been offended by Apollo, he says prayers for him and buries him. Apollo on the other hand is portrayed to be deceitful when he convinces part of the inhabitants of Solomon valley including Colonel to sell their properties and deposit the finances in their family bank. However, it should be acknowledged that this trait is largely shaped by his background and inherent family pressure. In addition, he is also secretive as he never told Colonel about his family regardless of them having been close friends. Hence in this regard, it can be posited that while Apollo has a round character, Colonel’s character on the other hand is flat. With regard to setting, the narrative takes place in two different places; Solomon valley and El- Dorado. The events that characterize this are clearly delineated in the narrative.

The narrator of the story can be posited to be a third person. This is because s/he does not directly involve the self in the narrative. Rather s/he gives an account of the events and the relative comments and judgments. Furthermore, it can be contended that the narrator in this context is all knowing. This is because of the fact that s/he is able to provide rich information about all the characters. S/he reveals to the reader the mind of the characters an even predicts their actions. Notably, the author seems to have a clear understanding of the characters and although s/he retains some vital information in a bit to uphold suspense, it can be agreed that he knows and understands the nature of the characters as well as the events in the narrative. For instance, despite having known that the man in digging a hole at night was Apollo, s/he refrains from revealing this to the reader and instead uses Colonel to inform the reader accordingly.

Seemingly, the author explores a number of themes that include poverty, ignorance and deceit. To begin with, the description of the living conditions in Solomon valley implies that the inhabitants are poor. Indicators of this include malnutrition and lack of a diverse economic base. This is perpetuated by the harsh climatic conditions that do not support local production. These conditions make the population vulnerable and are easily deceived in to selling their sole sources of livelihoods in order to invest in other areas. The theme of ignorance on the other hand is manifested when the inhabitants from Solomon valley fail to make vital inquiries regarding the nature of the investment. They are easily deceived and even fail to question the contradictory conditions that characterize El-Dorado.

At this juncture, it can be argued that this scenario is contributed to by their extreme poverty levels that give them limited choice. Nevertheless, it would still have been imperative for them to employ objectivity when dealing with such sensitive issues. The Gunt family capitalizes on this vulnerability and employs deceit at their advantage. The author presents these themes in an apt manner as they overlap and augment each other towards developing a central theme.

Further, the author employs various stylistic devices to capture and maintain the interest of the reader. For instance, his or her use of verbal irony that is exemplified through phrases such as ‘water came from the rock’ and ‘verdure from desert’ is instrumental in evoking responsive emotions in the reader as it implies a sense of despair. Furthermore, he employs dialogue to explore the feature of event branching. This does not only contribute to the development of the plot but it also breaks the narration monotony.

Conclusion

From this analysis, it is certain that the author of this narrative has a clear understanding of the vital components of an ideal narrative. Despite presenting the plot in an effective manner, s/he employs a host of stylistic and rhetorical devices that uphold and maintain the interest of the readers. In addition, he explores various themes that augment each other towards underscoring the central theme of despair. Despite being all knowing, s/he uses his characters and events to reveal different information to the reader and break the mounting suspense. It is in this consideration that this paper concludes by ascertaining that knowledge of vital components of literature is fundamental in successful writing.

Critical analysis of Amos chapter 5

(Name)

(Instructors’ name)

(Course)

(Date)

Amos Chapter 5

In this chapter, Amos examines the various ways through which Christians have sinned against the Lord God almighty, as well as, the various consequences of the sins committed to Christians. In essence, the entire 27 verses in the chapter share a common central theme, which is the theme of individual repentance by Christians and other wrongdoers. The chapter begins by urging readers to listen to the message being communicated by Amos, not only in this chapter by, but all other chapters that precede and follow chapter 5.

This paper presents a critical analysis of Amos chapter 5. Specifically, the paper examines the usage of two literary technique including style and tone in the chapter.

Style

A closer examination of Amos Chapter 5 reveals the use of three main stylistic techniques including similes, metaphors and imagery. Similes are literary techniques and figure of speech that are used to compare two or more things. In the chapter, the use of similes is illustrated in two verses including 5:6 and 5:24. Respectively, the two verses state, “Seek Yahweh, and you will live; Lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph” and “And righteousness like a mighty stream”. The former compares God’s anger to fire, whereas the latter compares justice to a powerful steam. These two verses explain that the people of Israel will experience their destruction, and it is only through seeking the lord and being righteous can the people of Israel redeem themselves as a prosperous nation.

Metaphors are the hardest to spot but a careful examination of the chapter reveals the use of a considerable amount of metaphors in the chapter. Accordingly, metaphors refer to a technique of writing where the author provides readers with a comparison of two or more things. Much different from similes, metaphors do not incorporate the term “like” or “as” during the comparison. In essence, metaphors incorporate the use of images or words as a representation of other things. In Amos Chapter 5, the use of metaphors is illustrated in various versus in the chapter such as in verse 5:8, which states “And makes the day dark with night”. Imagery in this chapter is used in the form of similes though at other times it does not necessarily incorporate a comparison of two things such as in verse 5:7 which states, “You who turn justice to wormwood, And cast down righteousness to the earth”. This verse signifies the transformation of the moral and religious way of life into something negative, a bitter plant.

Tone

In the Bible, prophets are considered as the bearers of both good and Bad news. Amos was a prophet and for that reason, the message in his book carries an urgent and bleak tone. Accordingly, the usage of tone in the chapter appears in two distinct ways, a negative and admonishing tone, and a positive and liberating tone. The negative and admonishing tone is illustrated in his proclamation of the destruction of Israel if the Israelites do not repent their sins and ask for forgiveness. An example of such a tone is illustrated in verse 5:2, which reads, “The virgin of Israel has fallen; She shall rise no more. She is cast down on her land; There is no one to raise her up.” In this verse, Amos prophesies the destruction and destitution of Israel. Verse 5:14, :Seek good, and not evil, That you may live; And so Yahweh, the God of hosts, will be with you, As you say”, is an illustration of the tone of positive and liberating tone. This verse is positive and liberating because it talks of a time when good will conquer evil and the lord shall be in complete control of the universe. This will be a day of light for Christians and a day of darkness for sinners and non-believers, as Christians shall be delivered.

Criminal and Civil Law

Criminal and Civil Law

The civil court system refers to the process through which civil law suits are adjudicated, with the main bone of contention in most cases being a violation of civil rights. This process usually differs greatly to the criminal process, as not only are juries rare, but in most cases the process is initiated by individuals or organizations, whereas in criminal cases the government usually initiates proceedings. In most cases, civil actions result in personal benefit to the individual, with the suit arising due to individual or organizational disagreements, although at times governments or its subdivisions may be party to civil suits (Ides & May, 2006). The processes also differ in terms of the penalties imposed by the courts; in criminal courts, the penalties include fines, prison sentences, execution, and other punishments such as probation, civil courts usually impose fines, either simply to reimburse damages caused, or to act as punitive damages and therefore by extension discourage any similar behavior by others in the future (Burke, 2006). In essence, these fines are not designed to punish the wrong doer, but rather to compensate for damage done, as well as to discourage any such future behavior.

Civil penalties differ from criminal penalties in the sense that they are not designed to punish as opposed to penalties under criminal law, but rather to compensate. As such, these penalties usually expressly involve imposition of fines as well as other penalties, but no prison sentences (Scheb, 2002). Further, even though both civil penalties and criminal punishments take into account the harm done, and punishment or penalties are meted out proportional to the harm done, civil penalties also take into account what the perpetrator stands to gain, as well as a number of other factors. For instance, if a manufacturer violates a section, the penalty is calculated based on the savings the business made through the violation, any previous history of such violations, the size of their business, the effect the penalty will have on their ability to continue with business, as well as any efforts the business made to rectify the violation. Civil penalties are therefore imposed in most cases with only the victim in mind, with penalties imposed being aimed at rectifying the wrong done to them, or compensating them for it, whereas criminal punishments are simply focused on the wrong done and punishing the perpetrator for the crime. In addition, it is fair to say, based on the descriptions above, that the imposition of civil penalties is therefore a much more elaborate process than criminal punishments, as a number of factors have to be taken into account. In civil cases, the level of proof is quite low and falls on the plaintiff, compared to criminal cases in which the burden of proof squarely falls on the state and is quite high (“beyond reasonable doubt”)

Further, civil courts may also impose other penalties, such as requiring the individual or organization to remedy their mistake, impose community orders, such that the individual is forced to provide unpaid labor, disqualify an individual from being able to act in a given capacity (Moxon & Hedderman, 1994).

In cases where both the criminal court system and the civil court systemare involved, the punishments should not correlate in any way. This is based on the fact that these two processes are essentially aimed at achieving different objectives (Johns, 2006). Civil proceedings focus on rectifying the damages done and compensating the individual or organization harmed (victim), while criminal proceedings are aimed at punishing the perpetrator for his/ her actions, thereby also discouraging any similar behavior. The punishments or penalties imposed by these two systems cannot be related, as criminal punishments cannot substitute for civil penalties, while civil penalties cannot substitute for criminal punishment.

References

Burke, P. (2006). The Criminal Law, And Its Sentences, In Treasons, Felonies, and Misdemeanors: WithA Supplement Including All Statutable Alterations And Additions Down To The Present Time.Oxford University Press.

Ides, A. & May, C. (2006). Civil Procedure: Cases and Problems. Aspen Publishers.

Johns, M. (2006). The United States Legal System: An Introduction. Carolina Academic Press

Moxon, D. & Hedderman C. (1994). Mode of Trial Decisions and Sentencing Differencesbetween Courts. The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice 33(2), 97-108

Scheb, J. (2002). An Introduction to the American Legal System. Cengage Learning.

“U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section, Frequently Asked

Questions”. Retrieved from

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/crim/faq.htm

Criminal defendants in the United States

Part 1

Correctional laws are well documented in the constitution. However, amendments have been made throughout the years with the aim of making these laws flexible and to enhance the correction process of those imprisoned making them more productive and law abiding citizens after the completion of their sentences. The laws are amended by the Senate and the Justice System is only present to enforce these laws.

Criminal defendants in the United States are considered to be innocent until they are proven guilty. The Eighth Amendment of the constitution states that excessive bail should not be charged as a way of retaining the criminal defendant before trial. The bail charged should be reasonable to give the criminal defendant the right to liberty until they are proved guilty. A detained individual will not have the freedom to investigate his case and would have served part of the sentence without being declared guilty. The person might not easily cooperate with his lawyer and would not have the opportunity to earn money that is required to make an appeal in case they are pronounced guilty (The Price of Freedom, 2010).

Inmates are not entitled to the full constitutional rights as compared to other citizens. However, it is a requirement for them to receive protection as dictated in the constitution. The 8th Amendment gives inmate the right to demand humane treatment. The prisoners should be allowed to access social amenities as well as protection from sexual or physical abuse. The 5th and 14th Amendments give inmates the right to a speedy and unbiased trial. The 14th Amendment also gives the prisoners right to equal treatment in the correctional facilities.

Prisoners are entitled to recreational activities which transform their lives during the time they are confined in the correctional facilities. This is important for them so that when they leave the facilities; they can be healthy and ready to make positive contributions to the society even after a lengthy sentence (Clear, Cole & Reisig, 2008). Besides the development of important skills and other credentials that help the inmates overcome stigma after their release, daily exercise is key to the adjustment plan. In addition to being fit, daily exercise is a way of alleviating stress that comes with separation from their families.

Each prison in the United States is required to have correction programs as is stated in the constitution. These correction programs are meant for rehabilitation of the inmate for them to become productive members of the society after the completion of their sentence (Clear, Cole & Reisig, 2008). However, many question the legality of these programs claiming that they are not beneficial to the inmates as they ought to be. Others argue that the fact that the programs are available does not mean that they are available to all inmates.

A correctional facility should have all the social amenities that provide a humane environment. However, luxuries such as television, internet and other reading materials should not be allowed. This is because additional of these luxuries would make the correctional facilities an ideal place for many criminals. Prison should not be a comfortable place; it should be a place where criminals dread to go to. Furthermore, it would be unfair to provide these luxuries in prisons yet other law abiding citizens have to work hard to access them.

According to the 8th Amendment, prisoners have a right not to receive cruel and unusual punishments in the correctional facilities. There are no universal definitions of what cruel and unusual punishments constitute, however it can be agreed unanimously that punishment that is inhuman or violates human rights is termed as cruel. This can include deliberately denying prisoners food or medical care or even physical or sexual abuse. Use of hazardous or poisonous things by the prison personnel within the correctional facilities can also be termed as creating a cruel environment.

Inmates should have access to basic medical care, but with the increase in the number of inmates in prisons in the United States has made provision of medical care to inmates very controversial. The questions that lingers are; should all inmates have access to medical care? Should the government spend so much money providing expensive medical care to prisoners? Those who have committed serious crimes should not have access to expensive medical care that is not even affordable to the poor and other law abiding citizens. The cost vs. benefit should be considered when offering extensive medical care to prisoners. Prisoners are people who have already taken so much from the society and we should not continue to aid them by providing extensive medical care.

Part2

Kayleah Wilson a 12 year old girl was missing for three weeks and was last seen on her way to her friend’s birthday party. She did not make it to the party and was not seen ever since. Though she has been missing for a long time and the police together with the FBI do not have any promising leads, I would not consider this a death investigation. A missing person who is above the age of twelve is considered missing until their body is found and this is when the missing person investigation can turn to a death investigation.

The investigation should be carried out by questioning all those who are close to her including all family members to establish the cause of her disappearance. Before deciding whether she was abducted, it is important to rule out the possibility that she ran away and that she does not want to be found (Olsen & Kamb, 2003).

If she was murdered and her body dumped, then it would cause some post-mortem changes that would interfere with the identification of the body and the cause of death. Given the rainy season being experienced at this point of the year, this would increase the rate of decomposition making it harder to identify the body. Forensics would have to be employed in the investigation to identify the body and also the cause of death (Sandell & Friedman, 2010).

Now that missing person has turned to a murder investigation, the body should be well analysed for clues that might identify the cause of death. Any physical or sexual abuse should be analysed and possible samples collected to be analysed through forensic methods. Those living close to the areas where the body was found should be questioned including all those who had been questioned earlier due to the drastic change in the investigation.

Part 3

According to Vito et al (2008) statistics provide information concerning the occurrence of crimes and factors that should be considered to enhance reduction or elimination of these crimes. Statistical analysis can cause major positive effects in the Criminal Justice System ranging from patrol officers, criminal courts and even to the Justice Department. With the correct analysis and interpretation of data, Criminal Justice officials are able to assess the current practices to determine whether they are working or not. This way they can change those practices that are not working in the reduction of crime.

References

Clear, T., Cole, J. & Reisig, M. (2008). American Corrections. New York: Cengage Learning. Print.

Olsen, L. & Kamb, L. (2003). Missing Persons Cases are Routinely Ignored. Seattlepi.com. February 18, 2003. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.seattlepi.com/local/108666_missingday18.shtml” http://www.seattlepi.com/local/108666_missingday18.shtml

Sandell, C. & Friedman, E. (2010). FBI Says Badly Decomposed Body is Kayleah Wilson, Launches Homicide Investigations. abc News. May 20, 2010. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://abcnews.go.com/US/decomposed-body-identified-missing-12-year-girl-kayleah/story?id=10703602” http://abcnews.go.com/US/decomposed-body-identified-missing-12-year-girl-kayleah/story?id=10703602

The Price of Freedom. (2010). Human Rights Watch. December 2, 2010. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.hrw.org/en/node/94574/section/8” http://www.hrw.org/en/node/94574/section/8

Vito, G., Blankenship, M. & Kunselman, J. (2008). Statistical Analysis in Criminal Justice and Criminology. USA: Waveland Press, Inc. Print.

Criminal Investigation. Rand’s recommendations

Name

Instructor

Course

Date

Criminal Investigation

Detective Smith has been investigating the suspect for some time now as he has been suspected to be a terrorist and yes, she has a reasonable suspicion to stop the suspect and question him based on the activities he does especially the secrets meetings he holds in the state capital building each time in short intervals the pictures he takes and the expensive and luxuries life he lives. Criminals such as terrorists have secretive lives, and their dealings are never clear. In this regard, the suspect’s behavior gives him away.

The seeming expensive lifestyle lived by the yet another cause for action. The suspect lives in an expensive motel, wears expensive clothing, eats expensively in expensive restaurants and lives an expensive and comfortable life, yet he has no specific or any known job. His sources of income are thus not clear. He, however, could be earning a lot to money through involvement in criminal terrorism activities.

The company he keeps and their movements are also strange and commonly associated with terrorism activities. He gets strange visits from other Middle-Eastern young men who bring him packages in secrecy that look suspicious. One particular day the suspect is seen carrying a briefcase, a scene which is very suspicious since it is something he has never done before. He enters the state capitol building and comes out one hour letter without the briefcase. It can be assumed that the suspect had been investigating the building while plotting a terrorist attack. When he came with the briefcase, he can be assumed to have been carrying an explosive and must have left it in the building at a point he had chosen during his excursions.

This seems like an illegal deal transaction that had just been made, and serious measure’s need to be taken to take control of the situation. In order for inspector Smith to relive herself from the suspicions, the best solution is to call for back up to avoid any accident and since maybe the suspect could not be alone and ambush him. This will help control the situation and avoid any future problems if at all the business is illegal. Facing the suspect head on will be the only one best way to solve the problem.

Criminal Investigation-Ethical considerations

Criminal Investigation

Author

Institution

Introduction

The acquisition and enforcement of justice has a bearing on the maintenance of law and order in any contemporary human society. Needless to say, the contemporary human society has been experiencing numerous crimes, coming with varying magnitudes of gravity, as well as complexities. Two of the most common crimes in the contemporary human society include rape and homicide. The term homicide underlines the unlawful but unpremeditated voluntary killing of an individual. The conviction for such an offense would attract a sentence that is higher than that of manslaughter, but lower that the sentence for murder. Rape, on the other hand, underlines a situation where an individual forcibly penetrates another one in a sexual manner devoid of mutual consent (Roberson et al, 2007). Needless to say, the investigation and prosecution of these crimes necessitates the adherence to particular ethical and professional standards so as to ensure that justice is done without further damage to the victims.

Ethical considerations in the investigation of homicide and rape

Needless to say, the investigation of homicide and rape is extremely sensitive and would necessitate the adherence to ethical procedures right from the beginning. First, the investigator must show extreme sympathy and compassion to the friends and relatives of the deceased. Not only would they be upset by the death of the deceased but also may act as informants and witnesses for the case, in which case creating a rapport with them would be imperative (Bender, 2007). In the case of a rape investigation, the investigator must understand that the victim is traumatized. In essence, extreme sensitivity must be observed in asking the victim for any necessary detail to the investigation of the suspects and for their testimony, which may be used in court as evidence.

For both crimes, painstaking care must be taken in the collection, transmission and preservation of evidence, right from the crime scene. This would allow for the prevention of contamination or degradation of the evidence during evidence collection, as well as transfer of evidence for further analysis by other experts such as forensic pathologists, fingerprint technicians and DNA specialists (Bender, 2007).

On the same note, investigators in both cases would be required to maintain their journals in a cautious chronological manner and an orderly way. Pens should be used in making entries so as to eliminate the possibility of erasing the entries (Roberson et al, 2007). In case of errors, crossing the errors jut once would be preferable rather than trying to erase or white-out. This would eliminate any suspicion that any information was eliminated so as to untruthfully outfit the case (Roberson et al, 2007).

Reduction of ethical problems pertaining to rape and homicide

In the investigation of rape, it is imperative that the victim is not shown any distrust. Indeed, any testimonial evidence given should be seen as a step to the eventual conviction of the perpetrator (Roberson et al, 2007). In case the victim is a child, it is imperative that the investigators monitor the interplay between the child and the parents to ensure for any abnormal signs. These may include flinching in instances where the child and the parents have eye contact or when parents gesture in the direction of the child. In most cases, it is imperative that a child psychologist is called in to help with the investigations so as to reassure the child of her safety.

For both rape and homicides, it is imperative that the suspects are treated as innocent until their guilt is proven in a court of law. In this case, no undue coercion should be used to derive information from them (Bender, 2007). On the same note, they should be duly informed that any information or testimony that they give may be used against them in a court of law. In addition, they should be assured of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney even in instances where they cannot afford one.

Prosecution problems arising in case of unethical investigation

In case of unethical investigations in rape, the prosecutor may call for the dropping of the charges stating that the sexual contact was mutual rather than forced (Bender, 2007). In addition, the prosecutor may file for suppression of charges in pretrial motion in case he sees the charges as inaccurate. Homicide prosecutors may strike a plea bargain lessening the charges to manslaughter.

On the same note, the use of crime statistics and demographical data to incriminate an individual without any evidence to back up the investigation of the suspect may result in charges of fraud on the side of the investigator.

Ethical issues relating directly to the prosecutor in the case of rape and homicide

Prosecutors, like investigators are obligated to observe certain ethical procedures in the prosecution of rape and homicide crimes.

First, they must ensure that they do not presume the guilt of the defendant until it is proven. This means that their speech should not be excessively biased as to favor the defendant’s guilt rather it should be restricted to the evidence rather than bias of premeditated notions pertaining to the defendant (Bender, 2007). For both rape and homicide, the prosecutors have an ethical duty to study all evidence and determine its sufficiency and sustainability of the case in the court of law.

On the same note, the prosecutors must ensure that the evidence brought up in a court of law is relevant to the specific case. Further, the questioning of the defendant should be careful as to eliminate the possibility of double jeopardy or violation of the Fifth Amendment (Roberson et al, 2007). In this regard, it is imperative that defense attorney is given the opportunity to show the loopholes in the evidence produced.

References

Bender, M (2007). Criminal Investigation: A Method For Restructuring The Past. New York: LexisNexis Anderson Publishing

Roberson, C., Wallace, H & and Gilbert B. Stuckey, G.B. (2007). Procedures in the Justice System, Eighth Edition. New York: Prentice Hall.

Criminal Justice A summary and comparison and contrast of The Social Organization of Juvenile Justice by Aaron Victor Cicoure

[Name of Author]

[Course]

[Name of Tutor]

[Date of Submission]

Criminal Justice: A summary and comparison and contrast of The Social Organization of Juvenile Justice by Aaron Victor Cicourel and Delinquency and Opportunity: A Study of Delinquent Gangs by Richard A. Cloward, and L.E. Ohlin

Introduction

The Social Organization of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency and Opportunity: A Study of Delinquent Gangs are two separate books on criminal justice that may differ to a great extent while they also remain to bear an extent of similarity. Notably, the point of focus of the first text is how juvenile justice is socially organized. On the other hand, the second text deals with the relationship between delinquency and opportunity viz-a-vis delinquent gangs. Yet all the two texts extensively handle causes of crime in the society, the specifics of organized crime, structures set to deal with crime and the overall outcome of the interplay between crime, legal structures, and the system of delivering criminal justice.

A summary of Delinquency and Opportunity: A Study of Delinquent Gangs by Richard and Lloyd

In summary, Richard and Lloyd use eight chapters within 232 pages to deliver what makes up the book Delinquency and Opportunity: A Study of Delinquent Gangs. In chapter one, they deal with the topic of Delinquent Subcultures. Within this topic, focus is made on the relationship between deviance and delinquency, what makes up delinquent acts and how these acts relate to delinquent subcultures, delinquent norms and the variation and scattering trends of delinquent subcultures (Cloward and Lloyd 1-27). In chapter two, they make a focus on questions that must be answered by theories seeking to explain deviance, its causes and effects. In these, they make further focus on points where pressure originates that pushes individuals into deviating from normative behavior. Further, they review two important issues in these facets which include how delinquent subcultures have evolved, the changes they have witnessed and how persistent they have remained over the years (31-43).

Although both chapters three and four majorly focus on theories, it is noteworthy that the former specifically handles current theories of delinquent subcultures while the latter deals with theories related to goals, norms and anomies. This is the reason Masculine identification and delinquent subcultures, adolescent and delinquent subcultures, lower class culture and delinquent subcultures are among the topics handled in chapter three. On the other hand, chapter four focuses on Durkheim and Merton’s theories in relation to goal regulation, the values of success in the American society and the barriers that hinder legitimacy and success (47-104). With specific concentration on delinquent subcultures, chapters five and six elaborate their evolution and relation to illegitimate means. In chapter five, the techniques of defense are contrasted against guilt with solution generation and decision making processes all being viewed in individual and collective perspectives. Ultimately, the processes through which groups and individuals alienate themselves into delinquency are also examined (108-139). In chapter six, there is an overall evaluation hypotheses related to differential opportunity, learning structures, illegitimate opportunities and social societal organization (144-159).

The seventh chapter of the book is centered on the differentiation and explanation of different subcultures. Ideally, it groups delinquent subcultures into three major categories which include criminal, conflict, and retreatist subcultures. It distinctly exemplifies each of these subcultures and expounds the relationship link among them (161-178). Lastly, the eighth chapter has major focus on how delinquent subcultures have persisted or changed in the past. In a double ended perspective, it reviews patterns of persistence as well as patterns of change (187-193). In summary, this book attempts to review and unravel all the issues related to gang behavior and delinquency. In this sense, it travels from opportunities that prompt delinquency, the process of crime commission, gang and individual psychology, and the effects as well as possible controls for delinquency.

A summary of The Social Organization of Juvenile Justice by Cicourel

The other text The Social Organization of Juvenile Justice by Cicourel, there is a different approach but which is also made within eight chapters. In attempting to demystify how juvenile justice is organized, Cocourel takes us through a comprehensive travel of theories relating to juvenile justice, those of delinquency and their relationship with the rule of law, controversies in how social organizations are depicted in the society, law enforcement agencies and their practices and ultimately a close review of various court hearings.

Chapters one and two of the book majorly focus on theories and the rule of law. In these chapters, Cicourel seeks to explain issues like objectification and verification of theories and the fact that the reality of knowledge of everyday activities applies in such processes. He moves on to define all the primary issues that relate to theories in juvenile justice and then places a specified perspective on the relationship between theories of delinquency and the rule of law (Cicourel 1-57). Using specific statistics and progressive analysis, Cicourel manages to present the rates at which delinquency takes place in the society. There is the link between these rates, established institutions in the society and the whole societal setup in terms of organizational setting (58-110).

In chapter four, emphasis is laid on the different ways in which social organization occurs in the society and how each of such organizations develop conversational depictions of juvenile justice (111-169). Chapter five reviews the law enforcement agencies that mostly involve in juvenile justice. Examples of these include the police and officials in the court systems among others. Comprehensively, the common practices such agencies engage in, especially when they interact with juvenile justice are also reviewed in a detailed way in this chapter (170-242).

The author makes a tentative shift to do a specific analysis of a group within the society in chapter six. This is the middle class in the society with the specification of middle income families. Practices related to law enforcement, how they relate to, and how they affect the middleclass are analyzed keenly and in detail at this point (292-326). Before finalizing the book, the author presents a number of court hearings with which a number of negotiations of dispositions are indicated. After this, he presents the concluding remarks on the book.

Comparison and contrast of The Social Organization of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency and Opportunity: A Study of Delinquent Gangs

There are quite a number of commonalities found in these two books. First, it is worth noting that both the texts are on criminal justice and summarily present the problems brought about by crime and the processes of remediating such problems. Again, it is identifiably notable that both the texts start by disambiguating various theories that affect crime. In The Social Organization of Juvenile Justice, this is covered in chapter two as Theoriesof delinquency and the rule of law. In a similar way, Delinquency and Opportunity: A Study of Delinquent Gangs has this presented in chapters two and three as Questions a theory must answer and Some current theories of delinquent subcultures.

It is true that both the texts touch on delinquency, however, topical coverage differs greatly. While delinquency and gang behavior remains the major point of focus in Cloward and Lloyd’s text, the book by Cicourel touches on delinquency as part of the social organization of juvenile justice which is its topic of coverage. This is even more evident by the fact that the former goes into detail and gives a comprehensive analysis of subcultures of delinquency in different perspectives while the latter does not. In its review, the latter also does a specific detailed analysis of a societal category which is the middle income families, an element that is conspicuously missing in the former.

In a closer perspective, the text Delinquency and Opportunity a Study of Delinquent Gangs presents to the society the major perspective that issues like inequality and unemployment can be real causes of crime. And that it is negatively or positively that opportunities will be used escalate crime or reduce it and better the lives of youths and other citizens. This is however after a comprehensive analysis of the crime causative factors. On the other hand, The Social Organization of Juvenile Justice could be considered an effective redefinition of contemporary criminology. This is because Cicourel uses new theory and methodological approaches in defining how various facets of juvenile justice are organized.

In a way, there is thorough research done in this book as it proves that delinquency is not evenly distributed in the society but occasioned by various events and causes. In reviewing the pressures that play part in this, he analyses how schools, the police, courts and officials, probation officers, and other institutions play part in deviance. In sum, both the texts, though similar and different in various ways, are quite comprehensive, well researched and relevant to students and practitioners in criminal justice.

Works Cited

Cloward, Richard A., and Lloyd E. Ohlin. Delinquency and Opportunity A Study of Delinquent Gangs. United Kingdom, London: Routledge, 2013. Print.

Cicourel, Aaron Victor. The Social Organization of Juvenile Justice. New York, NY: Wiley, 1995. Print.

Criminal Justice Administration. Arguments for Keeping the Jails in Public Hands

Criminal Justice Administration 

Name

Course

Tutor

Date

Introduction

With the rise of population and the instances of crimes that warrant mandatory imprisonment and confinement, there has been a challenge to the government to manage its correctional facilities. The challenges emanates not only from the high inmates population influx and budget restrictions but also from the emerging challenges and dynamism in the correctional processes that is geared towards need for rehabilitation as opposed to punishments and provision of quality services. As such, there have been several reforms aimed at enhancing the service delivery processes in the correctional facilities such as guidance and counseling , educational, treatments and training. The limited resources and need to offer specialized services efficiently however gave rise to recognition of private correctional facilities as a means to supplement the public based facilitates. The debate however has been based on the legality, efficiency and possible benefits or challenges of such kind of arrangements. As such, the protagonists have based their arguments on whether or not security sensitive services should be privatized and how the possible legal debacles that may rise from a third party liability and failures be handled.

Arguments for Keeping the Jails in Public Hands

The proponents of the public run correctional facilities argue that the arrangement offers the best way to ensue that the set standards are met and maintained. This is because the government is under obligation to ensure that all the policies and laws relation to construction and management of the prison faculties and the related correctional centers are adhered. This may not be forthcoming from the private arrangements where the profit seeking organizations may compromise the standards if not monitored.

Running of the correctional facilities is a duty of the government that is aimed at ensuring public safety and rehabilitation of the offenders to reform and released them back to the society. According to Austin and Coventry (2001), these are responsibilities which only the government can and should meet so as to avoid the possible legal and political backlashes. As such this is an obligation that is continuous, given that the crime rate is on the rise and the prisons getting overcrowded. Since the government cannot cease to exist, it is correct to argue that the correctional facilities should remain under public administration. For example, the bankruptcy of the privately run facilities may lead to a disastrous outcome such as prisoners being left Scot free by protesting employees whose wages have not paid due to financial problems. Though there may be some arrangements with the private sector such as provision of hedges to safeguard against bankruptcy, it is not guaranteed that the corrupt public officials may not conceal the financial status of a private firm. At the same time, Markey failures may result into collapse of the firms such as regulatory weaknesses as the case of the credit crunch in the mortgage industry. At the same time, there are many hidden costs which only the government may be able to deal with such as medical expenses for the prisoners (Raher, 2002). However, the government may not go bankrupt, generally, as it has many ways of raising funds and redistributing wealth.

The government also has massive resources to train and equip the prison’s security details with the best skills and materials. As such, the security of the inmates and the public would be guaranteed. Further, such capacities gives the publicly run facilities ability to handle both low and high security threat convicts. Since the public correctional services are offered as a public good, there is no profit motive behind it so that the government would not use the opportunity to seek monetary gains. However, if private arrangements are made, there is a possibility of provider’s collusion in the market thus hike the fees. Though this may be avoided through contractual agreements, if demand surpasses supply , the private bodies may gang up to increase feed during contract renewal or renegotiation processes.

Overcrowding of the public correctional facilities is a major challenge that comes with the insistence on the public run facilities. As a result, the convicts are subject to inhumane conditions that is not only degrading but also health compromising. For example, by 2006, in Alabama, the public prisons had a double capacity of prisoners (Johnson, 2006). The other challenge is budget restrictions due to many competing projects that require government funding. This means that less than the required amount of money may be allocated to prisons reforms.

Arguments for Turning the Correctional System over To the Private Correctional Industry

A major benefit of correctional system privatization is that there is possibility for coming up with innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the public administration. The private sector though research and development is known to be very innovative and result oriented. Through this, there is possibility of efficiency and delivery of the services though decentralized decision making processes that is devoid of the executive bureaucracies. The efficiency that is generated from the private sector services would be beneficial to the public and the economy. This is because there would be cost savings in the process (Maahs & Pratt, 1999). As such, the money saved by the exchequer can be used to enhance the development of other sectors of the criminal justice system. This is because under the private arrangement the private investors will be required to manage, build and finance the facilities based on the contractual agreements with the government(Theroux, 1998). Put differently, the government can only outsource the services after a preliminary study, to determine if there is possibility of cost savings. According to Theroux (1998), by privatizing the facilities, it is estimated the cost savings that accrue to the government range between 5-10% , with California , for example realizing between USD 155 million and USD 310 Million reduction in operation al costs of running the public correctional facilities. Emphatically Price (2005), argues that because of the fiscal stress due to high costs of running the correctional facilities, privatization has offered the best way to deal with the challenges.

The other benefit of privatization is that there is possibility of separation of hard core from non hardcore criminals. It is believed that the public correctional facilities that mixes all types of criminals may have counterproductive results as the prisoner may learn the tricks of committing crime and beating the justice system from the seasoned gangsters. As such, the private services offer the best alternative for this challenge given that they may specialize on the services to offer. This way, it is possible to separate non violent from violent criminals and the auspice of alterative imprisonment (Theroux, 1998). According to Wagner (n.d), some prisoners may too violent and need specialized handling as well as elaborate security measures. Further, the private correctional facilities offer a solution to the overcrowding and congestions that characterize the public facilities. As such, the private arrangements that are backed with legislated policies not only help to keep the criminals away from the rest of the society but also helps to amicably address the ‘prison and jail crowding problems’ (Johnson, 2006).

However, privatization of the prisons comes with several challenges. The major challenge that the private sector may face is need to breakeven so as to remain afloat. By attempting to reduce the costs and have a wider margin of net benefits, it is likely that the intended quality of the services may be compromised. This will beat the very logic of the privatization. it is also costly to put up the facilities and raise funds for the same. This challenge is also perpetuated by the fact that there are very many conditions required to be met before an organization gets the government’s approval. Security issues are also a challenge as the private investors must acquire the modern facilities and equipment needed to boost their security. The process to privatize the prisons has also been challenging on the grounds that it may lead to job losses. This is because the private sector may have a lean staff. As such the move has been opposed by several trade unions in the public sector.

Legal issues (criminal and civil)

Before privatization there is need to take into account certain legal issues. First, there is need to enact laws that governs the process so that it becomes more organized and legal. There should be clearly defined criminal offence in relation to the deal so that the penalties that can be imposed upon erection of illegal facilities or failure to adhere to the standards are well stipulated.

The other legal issues relate to handling of the clients and running of the faculties. According to Johnson (2006), there issues relating to the ‘minimum standards in inmate treatment’ that has to be adhered to by all the institutions. As such, before privatization takes place, the government needs to outline how the prisoners should be treated, the access given to outsiders to the facilities and the services to be offered. The criminal and civil issues relating to failure to adhere to such requirements and conditions for privatization should be spelt out before an arrangement is made so that necessary steps can be taken against the firms or private organizations which go against the spirit of correction and rehabilitation of the clients.

References

Austin, J. & Coventry, G. (2001). Emerging issues Privatized prisons . Retrieved August

15, 2010, from http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/bja/181249.pdf.

Johnson, K., A. (2006). What to Do About the Prison Problem? The Pros and Cons of

Privatized Prisons in Alabama. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from

HYPERLINK “http://www.alabamapolicy.org/pdf/prison.pdf” http://www.alabamapolicy.org/pdf/prison.pdf.

Price, B. (2005). Do economic factors explain prison privatization. Retrieved August 15,

2010, from HYPERLINK “http://soc.kuleuven.be/io/performance/paper/WS1/WS1_Byron%20Price.pdf” http://soc.kuleuven.be/io/performance/paper/WS1/WS1_Byron%20Price.pdf.

Raher, S. (2002).Private Prisons and Public Money Hidden Costs Borne by Colorado’s

Taxpayers. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://www.afscme.org/docs/colorado.pdf.

Theroux, D. (1998). California Prisons and Corrections: The Benefits from Privatization .

Retrieved August 15, 2010, from HYPERLINK “http://www.independent.org/issues/article.asp?id=472\” http://www.independent.org/issues/article.asp?id=472

Maahs, J. & Pratt, T. (1999). Are private prisons more cost-effective than public prisons?

A meta-analysis of evaluation research studies Crime and Delinquency, Vol. 45, No. 3.

Wagner, J. (n.d). ail & Prison techniques used by U.S. Correctional Facilities. Retrieved

August 15, 2010, from http://www.jimwagnertraining.com/images/Jail_and_prison_techniques.pdf.

Criminal Justice annotated Bibliography

Criminal Justice annotated Bibliography

Name

Institution

Course title

Date

Gottschalk, P. (2011). Police Misconduct and Crime: A Gender Study of Crime Types From Court Cases Professional Issues in Criminal Justice 6 (3 & 4), 75-86.

The research is to study the conduct of the Norwegian police, who have a bad conduct and engage in corrupt activities. The police take bribes and use unnecessary force to make the suspects confess to the charges. The research also analyses the various motives of the crime by the offenders, and the relationship between the offenders and their education level.The other aim of the paper is to highlight the various crimes committed by the police, which include sexual abuse, taking bribes, extortion, corruption, and many others.

The researcher of the paper is petter Gottschalk, a professor at the Norwegian school in Oslo. The paper studies the nature of crimes in the Norwegian police force and the number of police officers and civilians involved in committing the crimes. The other issue studied is the comparison between the number of crimes committed by the male and the female officers and civilians in the Norwegian police force. The paper also studies the crimes committed by the officers and the main contributory factor to

the behaviour.

The research findings showed that there are very many crimes committed by the police officers and civilians, especially between the year 2005 and 2010. Majority of the officers who commit crimes are men, and only a few women engaged in the criminal activities. Out of the 60 officers who faced prosecution, 52 were men while 8 were women. Education level is a contributory factor to the number, and the nature of the crimes committed.

The findings are logical since the researcher conducted the research in which he collected data from the police statistical office recorded between 2005 and 2010. The conclusion is logical since the researcher uses the data collected to conclude his work, such as the number of women offenders are very few, and their crimes are the less serious like theft. It is also true that education influences the behaviour of the police officers. More research is necessary to curb the misbehaviour in the police force in the several parts of the world..

Lambert, E. and Hogan, N. (2011). Association between Distributive and Procedural Justice and Life Satisfaction among Correctional Staff: Research Note. Professional Issues in Criminal Justice, 6 (3 & 4), 31-39.

The purpose of the research is to investigate how the procedural and the distributive justice can help shape the correctional staff job satisfaction, stress, and commitment. The other purpose is to find the relationship between the staff education, motivation and age influence correctional staff. The research explored the relationship between the organizational justice and life satisfaction of the staff.

The researchers of the paper were Eric G. Lamber, who is a professor of criminal justice at Wayne State University, and Nancy L. Hogan, who work as the professor at the State University. The two studied the factors that contribute to correctional staff job satisfaction, stress, and commitment to the organization. The factors included education level, age, level of motivation, and the procedural justice. The research took place in the Maximum Security State Prison, Midwest, where they interviewed all the 600 staff on the matters concerning their job, in which the rate of response to the questionnaires was 67 percent. The analysis was by the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences by the use descriptive statistics.

The results showed a correlation between the job motivation, procedural correction, reduced stress and satisfaction of the staff. As the staff ages, life satisfaction reduces while the education level determines the correctional staff life satisfaction. The organizational justice increases the life satisfaction of the staff in the prison and creates the atmosphere where everyone feels motivated.

The results are very logical as the researchers carried out the research and interviewed the staff to find the stress levels, motivation and the staff correction. The researchers analysed the results and came up with reliable results. The conclusion is sound as it gives the summary of the research findings carried out on the Maximum Security State Prison, Midwest. The research gives a conclusion based on an analysis of the staff, in which most of them responded to the questions touching on the study area.