Criminal Justice Discussion

Discussion Purpose:

The purpose of this discussion is to examine how the legal system was developed. Crime is not just a term; it encompasses a broad range of activities that fall outside of the scope of our ‘social contract’. Social norms are behaviors that most people agree are practical. As part of society, we all subscribe to some form of social normality (whether we agree or not). There are themes in human behavior that keep everyone within an acceptable range of behavior. For example, it is generally unacceptable to kill your neighbor. This is an act that will never be socially acceptable (unless your neighbor tried to kill you first). Another example would be theft. It is generally socially unacceptable to steal from your neighbor (or anyone for that matter), yet some people do it. Because most people generally abhor having their stuff taken, the social contract defined this activity as a crime. As a result, you can go to jail for stealing something that does not belong to you. Do you see how that works? 

Discussion Topic: Defining Crime!

For this module we are learning about the definitions of crime, what crime is, and how does crime affect the legal systems we have developed. For this discussion board, I want you to define crime, what is it? Tell me what the criminal justice system is? How does the criminal justice system address the onset of crime? Give me three strategies they use to minimize the effects of crime on the communities they serve.

Discussion Board Assignment requirements:

This discussion board post should be 150 words minimum. Additionally, the student should cite a source, and write a substantive post that incorporates this week’s reading. Students should also respond to two peers (100 words). These discussion boards will be assessed based on the comprehensive nature of the information presented and the feedback given to other students that helps to facilitate dialogue. 

Grading Criteria:

What must students do to receive full credit for this discussion board?

The first post should be no less than 150 words.

The second posts should be no less than 100 words and should be substantive in nature.

You should respond to two peers, furthering the discussion or responding to their analysis.

Remember to cite evidence. 

The post should identify crime and how the criminal justice system responds to it.

• To understand crime, you must understand the system that enforces the law.
• What is the criminal justice system?

How does it respond to crime?

• Research and/or citations?