INSTRUCTIONS: You are to write answers to THREE of the following questions. You must choose one question from category A; the remaining two questions can be chosen from any categories you want, except that no more than one can be chosen from any single category. You may answer questions on your own topic. As a general guideline, you should spend approximately 1 hour per question. You may use your books and notes.
Let me know which question each answer is addressing, and also make sure you put your name on each answer!
Your answers are due by 8:30pm on Wednesday, May 23. You can hand them in to me in person, or into my box in the CJ office, or you can email them to me as attachments (preferably in Microsoft Word). In any case, I need them by 8:30pm. The CJ office will close at 5:00 that day, so if you want to hand them in in person after 5:00, slip them under the door, and make sure my name is on the front! If you have questions, you can email me or call (667-3229).
You can email me for your grades by May 30. You can pick up your exams and papers during summer session, or in the fall.
Good luck!!
Category A--You MUST choose one of these!
1. Discuss the two different concepts of fairness described by Uviller. Which do you think is more appropriate with respect to the Criminal Justice system? Does the system achieve fairness according to either standard?
2. Describe the major advantages that our system gives to criminal defendants, as compared to prosecutors. Are they appropriate? Should any of these be changed?
3. Describe the major advantages that our system gives to prosecutors, as compared to criminal defendants. Are they appropriate? Should any of these be changed?
4. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of jury nullification?
5. The California Supreme Court recently ruled that a prospective juror may be excused for cause if he states during voir dire that he will use jury nullification. Imagine you are a state Supreme Court Justice, and write a concurring or dissenting opinion.
6. Trace the history of the California Youth Authority, and describe its current scope.
7. How well does the CYA fulfill the theoretical goals of juvenile justice? In what ways should it be changed?
8. Discuss in detail some of the factors and causes associated with police corruption, both from the individual and organizational perspective.
9. How does a police officer fall on the slippery slope from idealism to corruption, and why?
10. Give an example of legislation in the last few years that you feel is a direct result of the national mood that juvenile crime is out of control. Explain how this legislation is influenced by well-publicized events.
11. Do you feel that the current paradigm of getting tough on juveniles
will soon shift to a paradigm of rehabilitation and treatment? What kinds
of socio-political events or changes could spur this change? How long do
you feel it may take? Use historical analysis to support your answer.
Category C
12. Compare and contrast historical and present day approaches to domestic violence.
13. Historically, domestic violence was viewed as a private problem. In recent years, this view has changed. What are the reasons for this change, and how has it affected law enforcement responses?
14. Discuss historical and contemporary examples of the role religion plays in the criminal justice system.
15. How did religion affect the societies created by early Eurpean settlers in America?
16. Discuss how are capitalistic/consumeristic society encourages methamphetamine use.
17. Describe the history of methamphetamine in America.
18. Trace the history of the Norteno and Sureno gangs in California. Why do you feel they continue to have a strong influence?
19. What is the historical and contemporary relationship between Hispanic street and prison gangs? How has criminal justice policy affected this relationship?
20. Describe the history of the Mafia. In what days does the modern Mafia differ from the historical one?
21. Discuss the relationship between the Mafia, Prohibition, and gambling.
22. In what ways does race affect sentencing (give some concrete examples)? Why does race affect sentencing? Is it better or worse than in the past?
23. What are some realistic approaches to reducing sentencing disparities?
How likely are they to succeed?