Analyze societal trends that are affecting the criminal justice system
Scenario
As an assistant in a research firm, you have been tasked to examine a societal trend that is impacting the criminal justice system. Your assignment is to choose one trend and to identify the impact on law enforcement, courts, correctional institutions, or probation/parole. Your research will include a brief description of the societal trend and why the trend is relevant to the field of criminal justice. You will describe any criminal justice and societal elements that may have contributed to the trend. Your research will also include how the criminal justice system has adapted to the trend and what outcomes the change in policies or practices has produced for these agencies. In the final section of your research, you will explain how the trend is affecting the general public.
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
The Impact of Technology on the Criminal Justice System
Introduction
Technology has had a profound impact on almost every aspect of our lives, including the criminal justice system. From law enforcement to courts, correctional institutions to probation/parole, technology has brought about significant changes that have both positive and negative consequences. In this essay, we will explore the societal trend of technological advancements and its impact on the criminal justice system.
Technological Advancements in Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies have embraced technology to enhance their capabilities and improve their efficiency. The use of body-worn cameras and dashboard cameras has become widespread, providing valuable evidence and increasing transparency in police-citizen interactions. These technologies have not only helped in convicting criminals but have also protected law enforcement officers from false accusations.
Another significant technological trend in law enforcement is the use of predictive policing algorithms. By analyzing patterns and historical data, these algorithms can identify high-risk areas and individuals, enabling law enforcement agencies to allocate their resources effectively. However, critics argue that such algorithms may perpetuate bias and disproportionately target specific communities.
Furthermore, advancements in forensic technology, such as DNA analysis and digital forensic tools, have revolutionized criminal investigations. These technologies have significantly increased the accuracy of evidence collection and analysis, leading to more successful prosecutions and exonerations.
Technological Advancements in Courts
The use of technology in courts has streamlined various processes, making them more efficient and accessible. E-filing systems have replaced traditional paper-based filing systems, reducing paperwork and facilitating quicker access to case-related documents for judges, attorneys, and the general public. This has not only saved time but also reduced the risk of misplaced or lost documents.
In addition, video conferencing technology has been increasingly utilized for remote court proceedings, reducing the need for physical appearances and saving costs associated with transportation and security. This has been particularly beneficial for rural areas or cases involving defendants in custody.
Moreover, courtrooms have adopted digital presentation tools, such as electronic evidence display systems and video playback technology, allowing for clearer visual representation of evidence during trials. This ensures that jurors can fully comprehend the evidence presented and make informed decisions.
Technological Advancements in Correctional Institutions
Technology has also made significant inroads into correctional institutions, impacting various aspects of inmate management and facility operations. The use of biometric identification systems has improved security by accurately verifying the identity of inmates and staff members. This has reduced the chances of unauthorized access and escape attempts.
Furthermore, electronic monitoring devices, such as ankle bracelets, have become prevalent forms of non-custodial punishment and post-release supervision. These devices track an offender’s location and movement, allowing authorities to enforce curfews and restrict access to certain areas. While electronic monitoring has helped alleviate prison overcrowding and reduce costs, concerns about privacy invasion and feasibility remain.
Additionally, correctional institutions have implemented computer-based educational programs for inmates to acquire new skills and improve their chances of successful reintegration into society upon release. These programs offer a cost-effective way to provide education and vocational training opportunities, which can reduce recidivism rates.
Technological Advancements in Probation/Parole
Probation and parole departments have also harnessed technology to enhance their supervision capabilities and increase public safety. GPS tracking systems allow probation/parole officers to monitor the movements of individuals under their supervision accurately. This technology enables officers to ensure compliance with court-ordered restrictions, such as staying away from certain areas or individuals.
Moreover, technological advancements have facilitated the implementation of automated notifications and reminders for probation/parole appointments, drug tests, or program enrollments. This helps individuals stay on track with their conditions of supervision and reduces the administrative burden on probation/parole officers.
Impact on the General Public
The societal trend of technological advancements in the criminal justice system has had both positive and negative effects on the general public. On the positive side, technology has improved public safety by enabling law enforcement agencies to respond more efficiently to emergencies, identify suspects more accurately, and prevent crimes through predictive analytics.
However, concerns about privacy invasion and potential biases associated with certain technologies have arisen. The use of surveillance cameras in public spaces and facial recognition technology has sparked debates regarding individual privacy rights. Furthermore, algorithms used in predictive policing have been criticized for perpetuating biases against marginalized communities.
Moreover, technological advancements have made the criminal justice system more transparent. The availability of body-worn camera footage and live-streamed court proceedings allows the general public to witness firsthand how justice is being served.
In conclusion, technological advancements have significantly impacted the criminal justice system, ranging from law enforcement to courts, correctional institutions to probation/parole. While these advancements have brought about numerous benefits, such as improved efficiency and enhanced public safety, concerns related to privacy infringement and potential biases must be addressed. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for the criminal justice system to adapt effectively while ensuring fairness, accountability, and respect for individual rights.
