Select THREE topics from the following list:
Make contact with and speak to someone currently employed in the criminal justice system about what they think causes people to act criminally. Share and discuss some of the criminological explanations for crime from Chapter 4 and then summarize their responses to each.
Which of these theories best aligns with your personal perspectives on crime causation?
Do you believe that there is a relationship between policing and rates of violent crime in a particular area? Can the police reduce violent crimes like murder and assault? If yes, how? If no, why not?
What role do you think the police should play when it comes to preventing violent crimes?
Ask several business owners or managers their views on hiring people with criminal backgrounds. Describe their responses and summarize their attitudes overall. How do you feel about this topic… did speaking to these merchants affect your outlook? How does Labeling Theory relate to these issues?
Do you think that state and local law enforcement agencies should be forced to comply with Federal immigration policies and enforcement actions? Should “traditional” police officers enforce immigration laws? Find and summarize some examples of this issue from across the U.S..
The idea of prisoners taking free college classes during their incarceration is a hotly debated topic… conduct some research and write a two part essay arguing both for and against this practice. Finally, offer a personal opinion on the issue.
What are the pros and cons of Plea Bargaining in the American court system? How common of a practice is it? Some have suggested that plea bargaining makes the prosecutor the most powerful role in the criminal justice system… do you agree? Do you think that the criminal justice system should try to reduce plea bargaining? Why/Why not?
Modern police agencies have been trying to increase the level of racial and gender diversity among their officers….find some examples of how they are trying to accomplish this. Do you think that this should be an important goal? Why/Why not?
Investigate the criminal justice system in another country. Summarize it briefly and compare it to the system we use in the United States. Which do you think is more efficient and effective at dealing with crime?
Do you think that the current trend toward “de-criminalizing” drug offenses is a good strategy? Do you think that drug treatment is a better option than incarceration for drug addicts? Why/Why not? What, if any, concerns would you have if NY legalized marijuana for recreational purposes?
The U.S. has experienced an uptick in mass shootings over the last decade… why do you think this is? Not only has there been an increase in the number of shootings, but also in the number of victims per shooting….can you think of any explanations for this? Can the police and the criminal justice system reduce or prevent mass shootings? What recommendations would you make to reverse this trend?
► Guidelines:
Responses to each topic must be at least two full pages in length (double-spaced, 12 point font, appropriate margins)
Cover pages are not necessary
Projects will be graded on spelling, punctuation, grammar, organization of the material, development of the topic and appropriate length.
The following grading sheet outlines the complete term project grade and will be returned to students by the end of the course.