Week 11 Chapter 9 - Discusses the sentencing aspect of the criminal

Week 11

Chapter 9

Part 1 of 3

This week’s chapter discusses the sentencing aspect of the criminal justice system.   Traditional sentencing options have included imprisonment, fines, probation and death. 

Historically, the range of these options changes based the understanding of crimes and the goals of sentencing.  Sentencing philosophies or the justification on which various strategies are based are intertwined with issues of religion, morals, values and emotions.  These changes are usually a direct result of the social values of the times (Schmalleger, 2018).

Regardless of the reasoning behind which sentencing was chosen, the ultimate goal has always been deterrence.  There are two types of deterrence: general and specific. 

What do both terms mean and how are they used to promote compliance within society? Give examples and your opinion.

Schmalleger, F. (2018). Criminal justice: A brief introduction (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. ISBN: 13:978-0-13-455975-9

Part 2 of 3

Another facet of sentencing that is usually forgotten is the victim.  Most of the components of the criminal justice system focus of the police/district attorney office following the rules to ensure that the defendant (person arrested) rights are not violated.  Everyone forgets the victim.  The person whose rights were already violated by the defendant.

There are many different types of victim advocacy groups/ victim rights movements across the United States. (name a few) What is the mission of these groups?  What are they trying to accomplish?  Do you are or disagree with their tactics?

Which amendment(s) would be utilized to protect the victims?