...Truth-in -Sentencing Debate Truth in sentencing law deter crime Truth in sentencing refers to a range of sentencing practices that aim to reduce the uncertainty about the length of time that offenders must serve in prison. During the 1990s, throughout the states and in the federal government there was considerable legislative activity related to truth in sentencing. By 1999, 41 states and the District of Columbia had passed laws or implemented some form of truth in sentencing, but the forms of truth in sentencing varied among the states. Truth in sentencing law deters crime by showing offenders that regardless of things such as good behavior or time served the possibility of early release is unlikely. My state of Maryland unlike other state does not have a truth in sentencing law put into place. Some states have eliminated parole release for good behavior or work time credits to impose determinate sentences, which permits relatively precise release dates, assuming that good time credits were earned. Other states have retained parole release, potentially introducing ambiguity into actual release dates. This is supposed to increase the certainty about a minimum amount of time that must be served prior to release. There was a case of drug trafficking in the Baltimore Jail around this time last year if Maryland had a truth in sentencing law in place the offend would not have been eligible for parole or early release after doing 75% of their 9 year sentence. Since they...
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...University of Phoenix | Parole and Truth in Sentencing | CJS/200-Foundations of the Criminal Justice System | | Roy Burgess II | 3/30/2014 | The parole system is an integral part of the U.S. criminal justice system. The functions of parole are closely tied to the laws regarding truth in sentencing. The focus of this paper is to outline the concepts related to the parole system and the intent of the truth in sentencing laws. | The early release of an inmate from a correctional facility is defined as parole. The goal of parole is to provide a means for an inmate to gradually reenter society and lead a productive life. There are two types of parole, discretionary parole and mandatory parole. An inmate that is eligible for discretionary parole must go before a parole board to show that they are no longer a threat to society and that they are capable of beginning to rebuild their lives and becoming a productive member of society. Mandatory parole is determined by the sentencing guidelines and is not under the control of the parole board. After an inmate has served a predetermined amount of time according to sentencing, they are automatically released from custody. Both forms of parole have specific conditions that must be followed and failing to do so could result in the individual returning to prison. The conditions of parole vary according to the jurisdiction, but they also share some of the same restrictions and requirements. One condition that is common...
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...recommendations from prison staff or the parole board. Many prisoners may be give early parole for lesser crimes because of prison overcrowding. A prisoner may also be denied for parole if a family of a person who was hurt or killed comes forth with a convincing plea as to why the prisoner should not be released. In North Carolina, the goals for Truth in Sentencing are as follows: • Classify criminal offenses into felony and misdemeanor categories on the basis of their severity; • Recommend structures for use by a sentencing court in determining the most appropriate sentence to be imposed in a criminal case; • Develop a correctional population simulation model; • Recommend a comprehensive community corrections strategy and organizational structure for the State; and, • Study and make additional policy recommendations. A number of states also have adopted varying types of truth-in-sentencing legislation in recent years. These have been developed in a variety of ways -- as part of efforts to abolish parole, to adopt certain kinds of determinate sentencing guidelines and to implement other sentencing reforms. The impact of truth in sentencing will vary tremendously depending on the type of policy adopted and the goals behind it. In 2007, North...
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...Parole and Truth-in-Sentencing Parole is a program that helps those that have been incarcerated return to civilian life after serving a portion of their sentenced time. Probation differs from parole as a program, because probation allows those that commit crimes to avoid serving time in prison. It usually requires that they pay a fine and complete several requirements, including community service, or house arrest. Parole, on the other hand, is a program meant for those that have been incarcerated to be released from their sentence early. “Whereas probation is a sentencing strategy, parole is a corrections strategy whose primary purpose is to return offenders gradually to productive lives. By making early release possible, parole can also act as a stimulus for positive behavioral change” (Schmalleger, 2010). As an incentive, parole was developed to stimulate inmates to follow proper behavior while incarcerated. Conditions that affect parole usually include inmate’s behavior while imprisoned, terms of their sentencing that can allow or deny parole, and the decision of parole boards. Other conditions require parolees to remain in the state they are released to, report to parole officers periodically, as well as maintain stable employment. There are two types of parole. Discretionary parole allows parole boards to decide parole terms for inmates based on judgment and assessment. Mandatory parole, on the other hand, is dictated by terms of statutory decrees. These decrees set release...
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...Opening Argument: Truth in Sentencing Laws do not Deter Crime Truth in sentencing was developed to keep inmates (especially more violent) to serve 85% or more of their initial time in prison. Although it is to insure the safety and builds a better relationship within society, there can be some negative outcomes such as the availability of plea bargaining to receive lesser sentences or inmates who are serving their complete sentence have the inability to adapt to society once released. Using the plea bargaining system has saved a lot of time and money for the court work group because of the willingness of the suspect to forfeit their freedom whereas a person proceeds to trial and receive a harsher term “…more than 90 percent of all criminal cases do not go to trial because the offender pleads guilty to a lesser charge. Even violent crimes are routinely plea-bargained--an estimated 77 percent of rape cases, 85 percent of aggravated assault cases, and 87 percent of robbery cases.” (Anne Morrison Piehl, 1995) . Piehl and DiIulio explained that criminals almost always have the option to discuss a plea bargain to avoid trial, and also prosecutors are more than willing to proceed with the deal because it cuts time on their work load as well as reduce the funding to conduct these trials. In most cases, people eventually adapt to their environment. In cases when a person is in prison, he/she have molded to the familiar everyday lifestyle that comes with it. “A stronger penalty for...
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...Should uniforms be required in schools? Dominique Groom English 147 April 13, 2015 Phoenix University Should uniforms be required in schools For many years dress code have been a major issue for schools because most students find it hard to follow the rules on what they can wear to school and what they’re not allowed to wear to school. I think that clothing is a major issue when it comes to the education of the students because if a student doesn’t feel comfortable with what they have on it’s going to be hard for that student to pay attention in class. That’s why a lot of parents believe that uniforms should be required in all schools from elementary to high school students. In my opinion I believe that wearing uniforms can be a big help not only for the students but for the parents too because it would cause less distraction and it will help lower the cost on clothing for the parents who really can’t afford to buy their children expensive clothing. Students should be required to wear school uniforms because it creates a professional and orderly environment. When students wear uniforms it makes the school look very professional because everyone is dressed the same and you don’t have to worry about students coming to school overdressed or half dressed. When schools required students to wear uniforms it eliminates competition between students because some of the student’s parents might not have the funds to buy them expensive or nice clothing. Wearing...
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...Jail and Prisons Archie Parks CJA/204 November 27, 2011 Ross Thompson Jail and Prisons Introduction Prisons and Jails play an intricate part in the criminal justice corrections system. They are responsible for housing and rehabilitating some of the United States most dangerous criminals. This paper will explain the different types of prisons explain prison concepts and discuss why jails are important in the criminal justice system. In addition, prison strategies for dealing with violent behavior and the role parole plays in the strategic handling of inmates. Types of prisons There are four types of prisons within the United States Criminal Justice system. Each of the four types are stated below: 1. Local Prison: Local prisons within the United States criminal justice system are commonly referred to as Jails. Jails are used by cities to detain persons who have been accused of committing a crime while awaiting trial when bail has not been granted or cannot be paid. County Jails can detain prisoners for up to 18 months. 2. State Prisons: State Prisons are prisons who maintained by the state and used to house criminals who have been convicted of violating state statutes. State prisons are maintained and managed utilizing funds from the state budget. 3. Federal Prisons: Federal Prisons are used to house criminals who have been convicted of violating federal laws. Federal prisons are maintained by the Federal Government and are maintained and managed using...
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...Racial Disparity in Sentencing Racial disparity in sentencing in the criminal justice system is a problematic issue. Individuals often believe that racial disparity in sentencing does not exist; however, substantial proof in the criminal justice system proves otherwise. According to statistics of Marc Mauer, “unprecedented rise in the populations of prisons over the past three decades is a six fold increase, resulting in the incarceration of nearly two million Americans.” The breakdown of statistics is as follows: “One in every eight African-American male groups between 25-34 year old is a result of incarceration and 32% of African-American males born to society can expect to spend a term in a federal or state prison if the current racial disparity continues” (Mauer, 2004, p. 79). Four reasons of Racial Disparity The four reasons for the flourishing continuance of racial disparity in the criminal justice sentencing process are ineffective assistance of procedural bars, and council, jury selection and venue, prosecutorial discretion, and juror racism (Tabak, 1999, p. 6). Research documenting states like New York and California prosecutions have board spectrums concerning discretion seeking capital punishment; however, these four reasons apply to cases, which capital punishment is sought. “Capital punishment can be sought for intentional murders which individual may commit during the course of a felony and the intent to commit murder can be formed instantaneously before the...
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...of finishing parole. An inmate becomes eligible for parole according to the type of sentence they received from the court. There is a date which is called parole eligibility date which is when the earliest time the offender might be paroled. If the Parole Commission Board decides to grant an inmate parole, it will set the date of release, but the date must be on or after the parole eligibility date. The process for parole begins at sentencing. Unless the court has specified a short time for the offender to serve time, or has imposed an indeterminate type of sentence, parole eligibility occurs upon completion of one-third or one-fourth of the term. If an offender is serving a life sentence or a term or terms of 30 years or more he or she will become eligible for parole after 10 years. When deciding whether to grant parole the Board for most considers all of the following factors nature of the offense, prior criminal history, program participation, length of time served, institutional record, and community support or opposition. Truth in sentencing laws is to reduce the possibility of early release from incarceration of an inmate. It requires offenders to serve a good portion of the prison sentence given by the court before being eligible for release. Previous policies which reduced the amount of time an offender served on a sentence, such as goodtime, earned-time and parole board release, are restricted or eliminated under...
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...again. All punishments are enforced to help the community be protected from offenders. Not only are offenders being kept off the streets, they are also changing for the better and rehabilitating themselves to change their behaviors. In fact, the sole purpose of punishment within the state and federal corrections system is to deterrence, incapacitate, and rehabilitate criminals to reduce further crimes from occurring. Most importantly, punishments are helping offenders realize what harms they have done to the victims of their crimes and to the community as well. After being punished, most offenders have come to realize all the damages they have done and they understand that their actions affected many individuals. Punishing offenders by sentencing them to many months or even years in prison isn’t always very beneficial. State and federal prisons require a lot of money to keep inmates fed and clothed. Not...
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...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...
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...War on drugs and prison overcrowding Analysis Kevin Jackson CJA/454 March 02, 2016 Professor: Charles Davis War on drugs and prison overcrowding Analysis In this essay, I will discuss the crowding effect the war on drugs has had on correctional organizations in the state of Virginia. I will also propose three workable solutions to the situation while substantiating my solutions with appropriate facts and figures. To understand and comprehend the natural of this essay I will define what this article means when we talk about the war on drugs. War on Drug – Is defined as a series of actions tending toward a prohibition of illegal drug trade. It is a campaign adopted by the U.S. Government along with the foreign military aid, and military intervention to both define and end the import, manufacture, sale, and use of illegal drugs (Definitions_Uslegal 2016). The war on drugs has been a virtual disappointment throughout the United States since it was adopted in 1971 by then President Ronald Reagan with his anti wife slogan "Just say No" campaign. Since the war on drugs have been introducing the only job that it has accomplished is the increase in our prison system. In the state of Virginia alone from 2002 to 2011 drug offense arrest rate increase from 346.1 to 455.0 which is an average of 31.5% increase (Bradford 2013). This incredible inclined can be contributed to a greater number of arrest for drug violations but what this is doing is costing Virginia taxpayer money...
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...Jail and Prison In the criminal justice system once a crime is committed and the criminal has gone to court and has pled guilty, or has gone to trial and has been convicted of the rime it can result in a few different ways. For instance, if the crime was severe enough it could result in jail or prison time. Both jail and prison are two components of the suffering the consequences of committing a crime, and can also determine whether the time fits the crime or was the criminal punished in a fair matter. Some criminal’s crimes are so severe that they are sentenced to life in prison. Jails are facilities designed to hold criminals waiting for a trial. They are also designed to hold inmates serving twelve months or less for the crimes they committed. Federal Prisons are designed for people convicted of federal crimes. State prisons are for criminals convicted of crimes of the state, or of crimes committed in that state. Minimum Security Prisons are the most open and least restricted prisons. They hold criminals convicted of non-violent crimes such as forgery, cheating on taxes, and perjury. Medium Security Prisons are more open then maximum security but less open than minimum security prisons. The inmates are convicted of crimes such as assault and thefts. Maximum Security Prisons generally hold prisoners serving longer sentences. Inmates are convicted of crimes such as murder, kidnapping and other felonies. (library.thinkquest.org) A total institution is place of work and residence...
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...War on drugs and prison overcrowding Analysis Kevin Jackson CJA/454 March 02, 2016 Professor: Charles Davis War on drugs and prison overcrowding Analysis In this essay, I will discuss the crowding effect the war on drugs has had on correctional organizations in the state of Virginia. I will also propose three workable solutions to the situation while substantiating my solutions with appropriate facts and figures. To understand and comprehend the natural of this essay I will define what this article means when we talk about the war on drugs. War on Drug – Is defined as a series of actions tending toward a prohibition of illegal drug trade. It is a campaign adopted by the U.S. Government along with the foreign military aid, and military intervention to both define and end the import, manufacture, sale, and use of illegal drugs (Definitions_Uslegal 2016). The war on drugs has been a virtual disappointment throughout the United States since it was adopted in 1971 by then President Ronald Reagan with his anti wife slogan "Just say No" campaign. Since the war on drugs have been introducing the only job that it has accomplished is the increase in our prison system. In the state of Virginia alone from 2002 to 2011 drug offense arrest rate increase from 346.1 to 455.0 which is an average of 31.5% increase (Bradford 2013). This incredible inclined can be contributed to a greater number of arrest for drug violations but what this is doing is costing Virginia taxpayer money...
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...factors, which house approximately 2.13 inmates. Among these is the issue of illegal drugs in our country. Statistics display that for many years, the amount of inmates sentenced to jails or prison far exceed that of those sentenced for violent crimes and property crimes. The creation of truth-in-sentencing laws, as well as deterioration of godly, and family morals and values also play a significant factor. There are also those that would argue that television, movies, and video games also play a large role in the violent offender category. To put it in a nut shell, this nation has taken the view that it is easier to lock criminals up that to deal with them in other manners (Peak, 2007, p 244). In 1984 Washington State introduced truth-in-sentencing laws for inmates. The idea behind this was to restrict or eliminate good time credits as well as parole. Other states were quick to follow after it was determined in 1966 that inmates were only serving on average 44 percent of their sentence. In order to insure that inmates served more of their sentence, additional moneys were appropriated by the United States Congress for prisons and jails providing they were in compliance with truth-in-sentencing services and programs. As part of the conditions of receiving funding, states were required to insure that inmates completed a minimum of 85 percent of their sanction. As of 1998, approximately 27 states as well as the District of Columbia have qualified for Congressional funding as where...
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