...America’s Increasing Prison Population In the United States of America, we currently have approximately 2.2 million people in our jails and prisons and we incarcerate our citizens at a rate that is greater than any other country. Our number of incarcerated have increased 500% during the past thirty years. (The Sentencing Project) As of 2005, we had 737 people incarcerated for every 100,000 citizens in the United States, whereas the rest of world only put 166 people in jail for the same 100,000 people. (International Centre for Prison Studies 2007) It is obvious that something we do in the United States is having a direct impact on these burgeoning imprisonment numbers. The increase in the prison population really started to dramatically...
Words: 1385 - Pages: 6
...ABSCAM is a Federal Bureau Investigation sting operation from an investigation in 1978. The investigation of an ABSCAM consisted of people getting arrested for stolen painting, stolen jewelry, and fake securities. The ABSCAM organized the crime undercover it was elected among the local, state, and national levels. The short word for ABSCAM was Arab Scam. The ABSCAM first major sting became a media story that led to the movie American Hustle. The start of the ABSCAM investigation started on February 1978, when a Federal Bureau Investigation got together on a case of a guy by the name of Melvin Weinberg, an untrained officer that who was in prison and he was previously working as a bureau informant. Weinberg was facing three years in a prison...
Words: 922 - Pages: 4
...Abstract These writing analysis will cover the state and federal objectives of punishment. It will also cover the state and federal corrections systems. And it would cover the determinate and indeterminate sentencing. It would also cover the model that I feel it was more appropriate and will have some examples. Principal objectives of punishment within the U.S. corrections system: Everyday many people attend court because of some criminal act they did. Everyday judges have to review all cases before deciding any sentence. The punishment of a felony is incarceration of a year or more. Misdemeanors are a little shorter, it can be incarceration of a year a less. For repetitive offenders they have something called three strikes law. The judges have many sentencing categories from where to choose. They have economic sanction where the individuals pay a fine or do community service to pay for the crime they committed. There is probation where they are let out to society but are supervised 24/7, which is what most of the judges give to first time offenders. There is also intermediate sanctions that are either imprisonment or probation, it might depend on the crime or the judge. Short term confinement which is a year or less in jail and then there is imprisonment which is a year or more and for many can even become life time imprisonment. Capital punishment is given to really serious or special crimes that hurts society. Judges don’t have many rights though, they can’t just punish...
Words: 1004 - Pages: 5
...Jails and Prisons Comparison University of Phoenix CJA/234 Ms. Pamela Collinshill June 25, 2013 Introduction: For more than two hundred years the United States has used incarceration to punish any and all criminals. Jails and prisons are the institutions that judges send criminals to so they can serve time depending on the seriousness of the crime that the individual has committed. Being incarcerated is the humane form of punishment that is used considering how they used to punish individuals back in older times, when criminal justice was looked at differently. Jails Jail is a place where a criminal is confined to temporarily while awaiting trial or conviction of any type of minor offenses. The first jails were created in England in 1166 by King Henry II. Jails were used to house poor people, displaced people, mentally ill people, and criminals and the conditions in which the jails were; dirty, little and poor food, little or no medical attention, and full of violence. When John Howard became sheriff in 1773 he was appalled by these conditions and created the Penitentiary Act of 1779. “This act created four requirements for English prisons and jails: (1) secure and sanitary structures, (2) systematic inspections, (3) abolition of fees charged to inmates, and (4)a reformatory regime in which inmates were confined to solitary cells but worked in common rooms during the day. The act also detailed the requirements...
Words: 1067 - Pages: 5
...product to those who should break the rules. There was a day when parents could spank their children freely and accepted as simply normal. As the years went on, society started to see how people would take it too far. Therefore, laws had to change. It is the same within today’s prison system. Individuals are in prison because they broke the rules and would have to serve their time. Some go to federal prison and some go to state prisons. It depends on the type of crime that a person commits; because these prisons harbor different types of criminals they also have different guidelines to follow in terms to punishing the inmates. How does sending one person to state or one person to federal prison affect the correctional system altogether? Each year thousands of individuals appear before a judge for sentencing of a crime one committed. Sentencing for felony offenses normally carries a punishment of incarceration of one year or more. Misdemeanors crimes carry incarceration sentencing of less than one year. Judges must review and consider complicated sentencing laws for each individual’s case, prior to sentencing. Judges of the 21 st century have less discretion in sentencing options than the past. There are mandatory minimum guidelines a judge must follow for sentencing. The judges must also follow the three-strike laws for repeated offenders. There are sentencing for some crimes that have little consideration to personnel factors regarding offenders, their crimes...
Words: 270 - Pages: 2
...criminals. Jails and prisons are the institutions that judges send criminals to so they can serve time depending on the seriousness of the crime that the individual has committed. Being incarcerated is the humane form of punishment that is used considering how they used to punish individuals back in older times, when criminal justice was looked at differently. So we will be learning about the history of the jails, state and federal prison system we will learn how they are different from one another. Jails Jail is a place where a criminal is confined to temporarily while awaiting trial or conviction of any type of minor offenses. The first jails were created in England in 1166 by King Henry II. Jails were used to house poor people, displaced people, mentally ill people, and criminals and the conditions in which the jails were; dirty, little and poor food, little or no medical attention, and full of violence. When John Howard became sheriff in 1773 he was appalled by these conditions and created the Penitentiary Act of 1779. “This act created four requirements for English prisons and jails: (1) secure and sanitary structures, (2) systematic inspections, (3) abolition of fees charged to inmates, and (4) a reformatory regime in which inmates were confined to solitary cells but worked in common rooms during the day. The act also detailed the requirements for diet, uniforms, and hygiene for prisoners.” (Seiter, 2011) State and Federal Prison: The history...
Words: 1094 - Pages: 5
...Paper An analysis of the state and federal objectives of punishment are the consequences or penalties for a crime(s) that have been committed. The punishment ensures that the offender is adequately punished for the offences they are being accused of. The implementation of punishment is to prevent the criminal behavior by deterring the offender from committing similar offences. Usually punishment applies to the offender per the crime that has been committed (Hamilton, 2014). If the accused is a repeat offender of federal crime then they go to a federal prison, for almost every other crime the offender goes to a state prison. A prison-- whether it be state or federal, main objectives is preventing and controlling criminal behavior and acts. There are seven usual punishments depending on the judge’s and/or the jury’s decision at trial (Hamilton, 2014). The minimum sentences like Intensive supervision such as: parole, house arrest, probation, etc., Rehabilitation such as: counseling, drug rehab, restitution, community service, fines, etc. On the contrary, more sever punishments include: capital punishment and incarceration. This type of sentencing is imposed as a criminal sanction by a judicial authority. Mandatory minimums, such as: the three strikes laws and sentencing guidelines require specific sentences. It is done with little consideration of personal factors as it pertains to offenders, their crimes, and victims, because the state and federal court systems have many similar...
Words: 1267 - Pages: 6
...Supreme Court of Chicago four times and went to prison three separate times. Capone was also known for committing over 33 murders and having total control over the police station, media and both Republican and Democrat parties in the city of Chicago. Capone acquired the title ‘Boss’ in the Chicago Outfit in the summer of 1925 the attempted assassination on his predecessor, Johnny Torrio. Capone then extended the gang’s expertise from prostitution and gambling to illegal distilling, brewing and distribution of beer and liquor. Alcohol prohibition came into play in the U.S. in the early 1920s and had a direct co-relation with the rise in gang violence and other alcohol associated crimes. Capone and Torrio used this prohibition to sling shot the Chicago Outfit to the head of the city of Chicago. He used to profit from...
Words: 929 - Pages: 4
...Paper Punishment has been a subject of deliberate among philosophers, political leaders, and lawyers for centuries. Various theories of punishment have been developed, each of which attempts to justify the practice in some form and to state its proper objectives. The quantity and severity of punishments were reduced, the prison system have been improved. According to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, Maryland, some of the major reasons for punishment are to reform, deterrence, rehabilitation, compensation, and retribution. Punishment for reform is intended to benefit the offender and society by changing the offender into a contributor to society. Punishment as deterrence is intended to benefit society by discouraging would-be offenders. Punishment to extract compensation is intended to benefit the victim of the offender. Finally, retribution is the only object for punishment that is primarily intended to harm the offender. Individuals are in prison because they broke the rules and would have to serve their time. Some go to federal prison and some go to state prisons. It depends on the type of crime that a person commits because these prisons harbor different types of criminals they also have different guidelines to follow in terms to punishing the inmates. Criminal offenders who benefit from prevention services and are at risk of committing more crimes include, juvenile offenders with learning difficulties, high school dropouts, and urban youth gang members...
Words: 1251 - Pages: 6
...sentencing and contributed greatly to the overcrowding epidemic now facing our prison system. In this paper, the author will explore some of the negative consequences incurred due to mandatory minimum sentencing. Furthermore, the author will examine the effect this has had on non-violent offenders and the burden it has put on both the taxpayers and our prison system. Finally, the author will discuss the overwhelming affect it has had on our judicial system. An Overview Mandatory minimum sentences require a judge to impose a statutorily fixed sentence on offenders convicted of certain crimes, regardless of other mitigating factors. Discussions on mandatory minimum sentencing indicate the purpose to be multifaceted. Using mandatory minimum sentencing reduces crime, especially drug use, controls judicial discretion over certain sentencing decisions, increases prison sentences for serious and violent offenders; and lets everyone know that action is being taken to fight criminal activity. However, it is widely acknowledged that mandatory minimum sentencing laws have not always achieved their objectives and have often resulted in unintended consequences such as sentencing inequities and unduly harsh penalties. Overcrowding One of the main unintended consequences of mandatory minimum sentencing has been that of overcrowding, which has had much like a domino effect. It is estimated that our federal prison system is overcrowded by nearly 40 %. Two noted criminal justice researchers...
Words: 917 - Pages: 4
...established their own set guidelines and even those can be different from the Federal sentencing guidelines. Sentencing Guidelines are rules that a judge is supposed to follow to determine sentences for individuals and organizations convicted of felonies and serious misdemeanors. These Guidelines do not apply to less serious misdemeanor crimes. The United States Sentencing Commission was created by the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 and created these guidelines. In the beginning they were mandatory and very strict. People kept calling for longer, harsher sentences (Marvell 1995 p. 696). Congress enacted the Sentence Reform Act to satisfy...
Words: 2135 - Pages: 9
...Crime is something that impacts everyone, whether directly as a victim or indirectly through societal and economic costs. From the early 1960s, in the United States, criminological research resulted from individual efforts. The reliance on individual investigators to conduct and oftentimes fund their own research agenda was primarily a function of a lack of funding sources devoted to issues surrounding criminology and criminal justice. However, research in criminal justice has dramatically increased. The period between 1960 and 1980, saw the enormous increase in efforts in the federal government to initiate research projects that were designed to understand the extent of criminal behavior, including the etiology of criminal behavior, as well as the reaction of the criminal justice system to criminal behavior. Although still under supported financially, funded research efforts during this time period gathered much information that helped set the stage for the continuation and expansion of criminological research efforts. Since 1980, there has been a substantial increase in the financial resources afforded to criminological research, which has led to a large number of activities within criminology and criminal justice system. Looking at the social factors of criminals, it is possible to see these factors could influence criminal decision and the way they handle situations. Mary Bell was an eleven- year-old girl, who lived in England in a poverty stricken area, known as...
Words: 2538 - Pages: 11
...Processing a Defendant: In A Federal Investigation. Unit 4 Corrections and Prisons July 7th, 2013 AIU ONLOINE PROFESSOR: TINA DINGLE Abstract Today we will be discussing how a defendant is processed through a federal case. This is exceptionally important because your actions or absence of actions as law enforcement during the detaining of these suspects can result in the difference between their prosecution and release under federal statue. This presentation will also act as a checklist as well as provide additional information that you may need while in the field or throughout the proceedings of this case. Understand that your participation in this case may not be limited to just arresting or the processing of evidence; you may be utilized as a witness, under oath, in front of a federal court of law. Federal Investigation Outline Format for Presentation Process 1.0 Investigation 1.1 Evidence: It is evidence that leads the prosecutor to believe he has a "Strong case", meaning there is strong evidence that the person or persons have committed the crime. Direct evidence would include a witness who saw the crime happen, video/audio tape of the crime, and statements done by witnesses, of the crime. Circumstantial evidence may come from someone who did not see the crime first-hand; it includes someone's feelings on multiple indicators in the theory of the crime, even though that person did not see the crime take place (Journalists Guide, 2011). 1.2 Decision to...
Words: 4648 - Pages: 19
...Within the prison system there are various key issues that surrounded the operations of the daily activities as well as the administration of the judicial system. Some of these key such as prison violence, prison rape and the drug policy issues are negative and does affect the prison. On the issue of prison violence, over the years, prison violence has been on the rise. This has causes major changes within the prions system, such as implementing strategies to control the prisoners and their criminal behaviors. Prison rape also has continues to rise. This issue has been will probably continue to exist. This is because the prison officials have yet to be able to control this kind of activity. Another issue that has been affects the prison system is the sentencing that are being handed out for drug charges. This has cause the prisons to be overcrowded. Prison Violence on the Rise Prison violence is on the rise, many prison conditions are a recipe for violence, by being overcrowded, understaffed, insufficient staff training, excessive solitary confinement, insecure facilities, mistreatment of mentally ill inmates, policies that weaken family ties, a culture of disrespect between staff and prisoners, and little accountability for wardens. These facilities are causing concern not only for inmates but, for those employed to supervise the convicted offenders. Inmate population continue to grow, staffing levels in most facilities either have stopped or decreased. Violence has increased...
Words: 2155 - Pages: 9
... “ We believe the Global War on Drugs is Now Causing More Harm Than Drug Abuse Itself.” That was the half-page headline of a two-page add in The New York Times on June 8th, of 1998. The heading was followed by a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The letter pointed out that “U.N. agencies estimate the annual revenue generated by the illegal drug industry is at $400 billion, roughly eight percent of the total international trade.” It blamed crime corruption, and violence on decades of failed and futile drug war policies. It pleaded for a reexamination of global drug policies in which punitive prohibitions yield to common sense, science, public health, and human rights. This letter was signed by many prominent people...
Words: 1449 - Pages: 6
