Assignment Title: The Evolution and Impact of the U.S. Criminal Justice System
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Write a 2-3 paragraph paper discussing the following key aspects of the U.S. criminal justice system. Your paper should be double-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins on all sides. Be sure to use APA format for citations and references.
Choose one to two of the following topics to write about:
1. Evolution of the American System of Corrections:
Describe the historical development of the U.S. corrections system, from its origins in colonial times to the present.
Discuss the shift from corporal punishment to penitentiaries and the development of rehabilitation models, such as the Declaration of Principles of 1870.
Examine the rise of the community and crime control models, and explain their impact on correctional practices.
Conclude with an analysis of the current state of the U.S. correctional system, including the rise in prison populations.
2. Goals of Criminal Punishment:
Identify and describe the four main goals of criminal punishment: retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation.
Explain the newer restorative justice approach and discuss its role in the criminal justice system.
Discuss how these goals are implemented through various forms of punishment such as incarceration, intermediate sanctions, probation, and the death penalty.
3. Sentencing Models and Influences:
Discuss the types of sentences judges may impose, including indeterminate, determinate, and mandatory sentences.
Explain the concept of “good time” and how it affects sentencing.
Examine how sentencing decisions are influenced by various factors such as judicial discretion, presentence reports, and sentencing guidelines.
Analyze the potential for unequal treatment in sentencing and the role of sentencing guidelines in reducing disparities.
4. Prison Population Growth:
Discuss the factors contributing to the dramatic increase in the U.S. prison population over the past three decades.
Examine the role of tougher sentencing laws, the war on drugs, and state political influences in this surge.
Reflect on the potential long-term implications of the growing prison population on the criminal justice system.
ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES:
Use at least two scholarly sources to support your discussion, including course materials and academic journal articles. Cite these sources appropriately in APA format.
Be sure to address all questions clearly and provide well-thought-out analyses based on research and course content.
Organize your paper logically, using headings and subheadings where appropriate.
Write in a formal academic tone, avoiding personal opinions or overly casual language.
Proofread your paper for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors before submitting it.
