The general subject topic of your paper:
Possession off contraband as a criminal offense
While you are primarily addressing the topic selected, you may want to discuss or expand on a topic presented in the textbook, a case dealing with the subject, or a current event from the news or Internet, and present your viewpoint or perspective on that item as it relates to the issue present in your chosen topic
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Reconsidering Possession of Contraband: An Examination of Criminal Offenses
Introduction
The possession of contraband refers to owning or controlling items that are prohibited by law, such as illegal drugs, weapons, or counterfeit currency. Throughout history, possession offenses have been a cornerstone of criminal law enforcement. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness and fairness of criminalizing mere possession. This essay explores the concept of possessing contraband as a criminal offense, its implications, and the need for a nuanced approach that considers harm reduction and individual rights.
Understanding Possession Offenses
Possession offenses make it a crime to possess or control items deemed contraband by law. The rationale behind criminalizing possession is to deter individuals from engaging in activities that may harm themselves or others. By targeting possession, law enforcement aims to disrupt illegal markets and reduce the availability of prohibited items.
The Implications of Criminalizing Possession
While criminalizing possession serves certain purposes, it also raises ethical concerns and has potential unintended consequences. Some argue that focusing on possession rather than addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior may be ineffective in reducing harm. Additionally, criminalizing possession can disproportionately impact marginalized communities, contributing to systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system.
Case Study: The Shift in Drug Policy
The debate surrounding the criminalization of possession is particularly pronounced in discussions about drug policy. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that punitive approaches to drug offenses have not been effective in reducing drug abuse or addressing addiction as a public health issue.
Many jurisdictions have begun shifting their approach towards harm reduction strategies, such as decriminalization or the implementation of diversion programs. These alternative approaches aim to focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Balancing Public Safety and Individual Rights
Balancing public safety concerns with individual rights is crucial when considering the criminalization of possession offenses. Rather than solely relying on punitive measures, a more nuanced approach can be adopted:
Harm Reduction: Emphasizing harm reduction strategies can help address the root causes of criminal behavior associated with possession offenses. This includes investing in education, prevention programs, and treatment options for individuals struggling with addiction.
Decriminalization: For non-violent possession offenses, decriminalization can be considered as an alternative to punitive measures. This approach focuses on treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one, reducing the burden on the justice system and redirecting resources towards prevention and treatment.
Diversion Programs: Implementing diversion programs can provide individuals charged with possession offenses an opportunity to address underlying issues through rehabilitation and support services. These programs aim to reduce recidivism rates and promote reintegration into society.
Contextual Considerations: Assessing the circumstances surrounding possession offenses is crucial. Factors such as intent to distribute, previous criminal history, and potential for harm should be taken into account when determining appropriate penalties.
Conclusion
Criminalizing possession offenses has been a longstanding approach in law enforcement, aimed at reducing harm and maintaining public safety. However, it is important to critically examine the effectiveness and fairness of this approach. By adopting harm reduction strategies, considering alternatives to punitive measures, and taking contextual factors into account, we can navigate the complexities of possession offenses while prioritizing public health, individual rights, and addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior. It is through this nuanced approach that we can strive for a more just and effective criminal justice system.
