There are multiple perspectives of criminal justice and the criminal justice system. Each perspective addresses crimes and criminals from a different point of view. No single perspective dominates the contemporary criminal justice system, and all members of the system bring with them their own perspectives on law enforcement (police), adjudication (courts), and punishment (or corrections). By allowing for different perspectives, the criminal justice system works in conjunction with the trends in criminal activity and the people upholding the criminal justice system.
To prepare for this assignment:
Review the book excerpt from Introduction to Criminal Justice, and focus on the various perspectives on criminal justice. Think about which perspective resonates most with you.
Consider the strengths and limitations of each perspective. Also, think about the ethical issues related to each perspective.
Review Chapter 1 of your course text, Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction, and pay attention to the opportunities and challenges of multiculturalism and diversity in the criminal justice system.
Select two perspectives on criminal justice and consider whether they fall on the crime control or the due process model.
Consider the strengths and limitations of the perspectives you selected. Also, think about an example (fictional or historical) to illustrate each of the perspectives you selected.
The assignment (1–2 pages):
Briefly describe each of the two perspectives on criminal justice that you selected. Explain if the perspectives you selected support crime control or due process. Use a real-life example to illustrate your points.
Describe one strength and one limitation of each perspective.
Explain how multiculturalism and diversity might create a challenge or an opportunity to criminal justice in relation to the perspectives you selected.
Briefly describe at least one ethical issue related to criminal justice that is associated with one of the perspectives you selected.
Learning Resources
Please read and view (where applicable) the following Learning Resources before you complete this week’s assignments.
Readings
Review the Course Introduction (located in the left-hand navigation bar)
Course Text: Schmalleger, F. (2014). Criminal justice: A brief introduction (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.
Chapter 1, “What Is Criminal Justice?”
Book Excerpt: Siegel, L. J. (2010). Introduction to criminal justice (12th ed., pp. 4–8 and 23–36). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.
Introduction to Criminal Justice (12th ed.) by L. J. Siegel. Copyright 2010 by Wadsworth/Cengage Learning. Reprinted by permission of Wadsworth/Cengage Learning via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Chapter 1, “Crime and Criminal Justice” (pp. 4–8 and 23–36)
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