Question.1291 - Submit your summaries via the assignment dropbox: 1- Write your summary in a Word file or save it in a format Word can recognize (e.g., .rtf) 2- Save the file on your computer (and remember where you saved it!) 3-Click the "Reading Summary" link above for this week 4- Scroll down to the "Attach File" section and choose "Browse My Computer" 5- Locate the summary from your computer 6- Double-click the file and you will see your attachment. 7- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click "Submit"
Answer Below:
Week 11 Reading Summary Rosaivette Baez University of Massachusetts Lowell School of Criminology and Justice Studies CRIM4890 - Capstone Senior Seminar in Criminology & Criminal Justice Professor Ian A. Elliott, PhD April 5th, 2024 Week 11 Reading Summary Considering the weekly reading materials, the emphasis is given to a shift from punishment to repairing in terms of restorative justice with a goal of achieving peacemaking and reintegration through victim-offender communication and community involvement. The theory being discussed is traditional punitive justice, which establishes a cyclic crime record by stigmatizing offenders and also hindering social reintegration. However, restorative justice is on the basis of reintegrative shaming, which seeks to reconcile the offender with the victim and community. VOM (referred to as Victim-Offender Mediation) tends to facilitate meetings for victim and offender to discuss the crime and agree on reparations, wherein conferencing that is similar to VOM enables broader participation from family or community members and even officials aiding in increased satisfaction, reduced recidivism rates, yet certain challenges exist, applicability to serious crimes and high-risk offenders are questionable in terms of long-term effectiveness.? Considering non-intervention, the discussed core principle within the class involves minimizing the involvement of the criminal justice system in order to avoid stigmatization and societal labeling; this is founded on the labeling theory that argues officially labeling criminals tends to establish a self-fulfilling prophecy that forces the individuals to commit further criminal activities. The goal is to reduce stigmatization by empowering individuals with the intent to decrease reliance on potentially harmful interventions like rehabs or punitive measures. The week also discusses decriminalization by removing criminal penalties for certain behavior, for instance, considering the legalization of marijuana. Other concepts include incarceration in terms of reducing reliance on incarceration and exploring community-based alternatives, wherein establishing an inclusive environment that involves the stakeholder could aid in aligning with realities in terms of meeting the applicability factors. Diversion aids in directing individuals away from formal court proceedings towards interventions that get them back within the societal circle without compromising the moral values of these interventions, including counseling or job training. Lastly, assessing the successes, legalization of marijuana in some states, and decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana possession comes with some challenges like balancing public safety concerns with reducing interventions.? Reactions to the Readings The idea of restorative justice tends to provide an alternative to traditional punishment since it emphasizes healing and social repair; also, the non-intervention emphasized on minimizing labeling resonates with potential harms of the criminal justice system, establishing an equitable environment for judicial and law enforcement to operate within. However, both perspectives should sustain a balance since restorative justice could be suitable for crimes, and non-intervention shouldn't disregard public safety needs entirely. This extends the need to understand the practicality in terms of the long-term effectiveness of restorative justice intervention, particularly for serious criminal offenders, which requires further investigation.? I would like to connect the present week's reading to the ongoing debate about reforming the existing criminal justice in the United States; due to the high incarceration rates and racial disparities within the system, we tend to question the effectiveness of the current approach. The recent tiro bills proposed a need to connect the Families Act with the notion that it might establish a better communication pattern in and out of the state prison; also, the End Predatory Court Fees Act eliminates the court fees with the intent to end the practices of garnishing incarcerated people's commissary accounts and another one could be the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act that intends to change the law to establish an improved pathway to exoneration (Jefferson, 2024).? References Jefferson, A. C. (2024, April 3).?Criminal justice reform push comes as state budget negotiations drag on. City & State NY. https://www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2024/04/criminal-justice-reform-push-comes-state-budget-negotiations-drag/395428/More Articles From CRIMINAL LAW MANAGEMENT