Research and give an overview of how the English legal tradition influenced policing in America
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 Influence of the English Legal Tradition on Policing in America
The English legal tradition has had a profound impact on various aspects of American society, including the development of the country’s policing system. The roots of American policing can be traced back to English common law and the principles that shaped law enforcement in England. This essay will provide an overview of how the English legal tradition influenced policing in America, highlighting key historical events and principles that continue to shape law enforcement practices today.
1. Early English Roots
The origins of American policing can be found in the early English legal system, particularly the establishment of a centralized law enforcement body known as the “Watch and Ward.” This system, which emerged in medieval England, involved citizens taking turns to patrol their communities and report any suspicious activities. This model provided the foundation for the concept of community policing, which emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
2. The Colonial Period
During the colonial period, English legal principles continued to shape policing in America. Many colonies adopted laws based on English common law, which outlined the powers and responsibilities of law enforcement officials. The office of constable, a position originating in England, was established in colonial America to maintain order and enforce laws.
3. The Influence of English Jurisprudence
English legal principles, such as habeas corpus and due process, greatly influenced American policing. Habeas corpus, a fundamental right enshrined in English law since the Magna Carta, ensures that individuals cannot be detained unlawfully without being brought before a court. Similarly, the concept of due process, which guarantees fair treatment under the law, was inherited from English jurisprudence and continues to shape American policing practices.
4. The Creation of Modern Policing
The biggest influence of the English legal tradition on American policing can be seen in the establishment of modern police forces. In the early 19th century, Sir Robert Peel, an English politician, introduced the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829, creating the first formal police force in London. Peel’s principles of policing, known as the “Peelian Principles,” emphasized crime prevention, public cooperation, and professionalization of law enforcement officers.
5. The Adoption of Peel’s Principles
Peel’s principles had a significant impact on American policing. As cities in America began to urbanize and face increasing crime rates, police departments were established using Peel’s principles as a guide. The Boston Police Department, established in 1838, was the first modern police force in the United States, and many subsequent police departments followed a similar model.
6. Professionalization and Standardization
The English legal tradition also influenced the professionalization and standardization of American policing. The creation of formal police academies and the adoption of standardized training methods were inspired by the English model. Additionally, the introduction of uniforms and badges aimed to enhance public trust and distinguish police officers from the general population.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the English legal tradition played a fundamental role in shaping policing in America. From its early roots in community-based patrol systems to the adoption of Peel’s principles and the professionalization of law enforcement officers, the influence of English legal principles is evident in American policing practices today. By understanding this historical context, we can better appreciate how our modern police forces have evolved and continue to uphold the principles that originated centuries ago across the Atlantic.
