Solitary Confinement

To many observers, the drawbacks of solitary confinement lie in its practice, not its principles. Although it may be useful in controlling inmate populations, solitary confinement procedures suffer from failure to properly monitor the medical and psychological state of those in “in the hole”, confinement for trivial offenses like “talking back” to corrections officials, and unacceptably long periods of isolation. The courts have shown no inclination to rein in these abuses, as judges tend to be extremely differential to the decisions and policies of prison officials.

Today no federal laws control the use of solitary confinement. Only one state, Washington, places a limit -20 days- on the length of time an inmate may be kept in isolation.

• If you were to draft a law regulating the use of solitary confinement, what elements would your law contain?
  
• Would you, like courts, give prison officials a “free hand” or would you restrict their discretion?
  
• Would you allow prisoners to challenge their solitary confinement in court?
  
• Your answer should take at least 3 full paragraphs

It's been a while!

Wow! Its been over a month since we last blogged!! Way too long because you are AWESOME when you write on your blogs! You should know that you are doing a great job and I enjoy reading your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions!

Ok..next assignment!

You learned about why gangs form and continue to exist. Each year federal and state governments put money into combating gang activites and violence. Rochester, even though a small city, donates millions towards this fight. Being young and understanding reasons why people join, what can we do to reach youth and/or the community to put an end to gangs.

• Will gangs ever cease to exist?
• Think about the ideas that communities have tried, the ideas you and your classmates created. What will work and why.

Remember to check out other blogs! :)

Insanity Defense

After learning about the insanity defense, an example, and some of your classmate's opinions, what is your idea? ...you must answer the last bullet point.

• Is this a "good" law? why/why not?
• Should insanity be considered in criminal cases?
• What constitues insanity?
• What is your opinion to the Andrea Yates case?

Your response must be posted on your blog and be at least 3 complete paragraphs.

Capital Punishment in our Criminal Justice System

Well hello there fellow bloggers! You did a GREAT JOB on your blogging assignment, I enjoy reading your comments and thoughts...let's get started on our next! You read 2 viewpoints of how the Death Penalty may or may not deter crime as well as other statistics in support for and against this form of punishment when you used the internet to research specific facts about the death penalty.

You each have your own idea about capital punishment and are now able to add strength and actual data to back up your opinion.

Your Assignment, you do not have to answer all of these, but they will help get you thinking:
1. Is capital punishment (death penalty) an effective deterrent to crime? why(not)?
2. What do you view as the biggest benefit/weakness to capital punishment?
3. The average cost of keeping a prisoner in jail for 1 year is $22,600. The average time spent on death row is 11 years. This is $248,600 spent on 1 inmate. The average cost per student in public school each year is $9,800 (a difference of $12,800). So, in your 12 years of schooling, the national average is $117,600. What is your opinion regarding this?
3. What surprised or shocked you in your findings about the death penalty?

After you blog, you are required to post a comment on at least 2 other blogs....check out new ones! :)

remember...I read each of your blogs and comments, so while you may not see me respond, I am looking!

Links to Blogs

WOW! Awesome work today! You made your own blog, wrote a response, and commented on at least 2 other blog responses. You did GREAT! This is going to be a fun and interactive way to promote discussion, communicate our ideas, get feedback, and use technology! yesss!!!

Here are all your blogs! ....remember, I'll be visiting each!
http://katecags.blogspot.com/
http://chriscolemansblog.blogspot.com/
http://mmdsnooks.blogspot.com/
http://mattchufox.blogspot.com/
http://dj-wombat.blogspot.com/
http://m-harmor.blogspot.com/
http://stephenhebberecht.blogspot.com/
http://mc-frosty.blogspot.com/
http://lawwithcookiesandmilk.blogspot.com/
http://meganmc13.blogspot.com/
http://jimmymai.blogspot.com/
http://savannahmariemigliore.blogspot.com/
http://evanpfeilsblog.blogspot.com/
http://mattpresciutti.blogspot.com/
http://stephaniepusateri.blogspot.com/
http://t-clutch.blogspot.com/
http://a-schmitt.blogspot.com/
http://iidonottblogg.blogspot.com/
http://caseytarana.blogspot.com/
http://kwoww.blogspot.com/
http://amandat1524.blogspot.com/
http://travisjvoellinger.blogspot.com/
http://shannon-criminallaw.blogspot.com/

Causes of Crime ~ February 5

GOODMORNING my brilliant criminal minds! You did AWESOME work in groups and you learned about what research and people believe to be the MAIN CAUSES of crime. Now that you know that these causes, the essential question is...what are we going to do to STOP the cycle? What is the solution? How can crime be prevented?

So many times society wants a "quick fix" and we see politicans passing laws to "control" crime...this is a "band-aid" solution...the things that will work require committment, sacrifice, and investment from all of us.

• What are your ideas?
• What are some things that will work and explain why.
• What are possible limitations to this? (funding, timing, etc)

I suggest doing a Google search first to get some ideas.... enter "solutions to crime in United States"

Criminal Law! Welcome!

Welcome to Second Semester and February! I'm having difficulty believing that we are 1/2 way through the school year! While I am not looking forward to how quickly this semester will go by, I'm certainly looking forward to the snow melting! First thing you need to know about me...I'm not a fan of snow, or winter, or ice, or wind and the combination of each is not pleasant. But I'm here for you so thus, I will get through it and look forward to April weather!

Ok...lets get on with the learning! Criminal law is a wonderful class and one of my absolute favorites to teach! We are gonig to have a great time this semester and you are going to learn and gorw so very much!

Each of you will be creating a blog just like this one on Blogger, but remember to check back here for important updates, assignments, and new posts that are required for you to blog about.

Here is your first blogging assignment:

Currently, the criminal justice system is broken down into two models, the Consensus model and the Conflict model. The criminal justice system is comprised of three basic levels, policing, justice, and corrections. Society relies on the two models of criminal justice system to ensure that justice is achieved. Some individuals disagree on which model should be implemented to guarantee due process.

Using your notes, write a paragraph stating at least 2 reasons why both models exist in society and 2 key terms that you think of when you hear about each of the models.

Select 1 model (consensus or conflict), and create a scenario like I demonstrated to you in class. Make sure it is apparent which model is represented through your scenario. This is your time to be creative and have fun demonstrating your knowledge!