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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 4 page paper examines the life of Elaine Bartlett and what it means. The criminal justice system is examined. Social strain and social learning theories are discussed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RG13_SA930soc.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
on drugs. Her life story is told, or at least life after her arrest where she negotiates the prison system after leaving her children behind. Many issues are raised by
this book that examines one life, but how the criminal justice impacts her life speaks volumes. The book does begin when Elaine Bartlett was living a somewhat normal existence, or
at least life outside of prison walls. As the work unfolds, she is living in the projects, but works off the books to support her family in addition to collecting
welfare (Gonnerman, 2004). While not an exemplary life, she was autonomous and made her own choices. However, a drug arrest would see that she was taken away form her children
as she began to serve a sixteen year sentence. Throughout the work, there are explanations of Elaines days in the system and how she tried to get out. For
example, when she would go before the parole board in her early days, she would become angry, but down the road, she realized that they did not want to hear
her speak while angry or annoyed (Gonnerman, 2004). While Elaine went in front of the parole board, she would provide information but was careful not to reveal her real feelings.
Gonnerman (2004) emphasizes the problems with the Rockefeller drug laws. For example, Gonnerman writes about Elaines thought process during the hearings: "She did not think the governor should give anyone
clemency; instead, he should just repeal the laws. She kept these thought to herself, however. She figured these werent the sorts of statements that would help her win over her
audience" (Gonnerman, 2004, p.149). The life experiences of Elaine Bartlett do speak to the eradication of these laws. The "tough on crime" mentality that was a part and parcel of
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