Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Problems and Solutions for the Troubled American Prison System. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper takes a look at the criminal justice system with a focus on prisons. Suggestions are made. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA644pr.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Many attribute this phenomenon to prejudice. In part, the idea that black people are targeted may be aligned with the fact that the system employs mostly white people. In one
study, a lack of career opportunities for probation officers, but particularly as it respects minorities and women, had been noted (Kennedy, 1987). This is true despite the implementation of affirmative
action policies (Kennedy, 1987). In examining the various facets of the criminal justice system, and the prison system in particular, it is clear that race and ethnicity
play a decided role. There are more people of different minority backgrounds represented in the prisons today. Yet, there are more white judges, attorneys and probation officers in charge. This
seems to give white people an unfair advantage. Although this may not be the case in reality, that perception is certainly there. While affirmative action is a part of the
system, it does not seem to have made a significant difference in the justice model. But race is only one issue. There are other problems with prisons today. Prisons are
ineffective in creating model citizens. They are not models for rehabilitation, but according to some theories of criminal justice, they need not be. Rehabilitation is only one reason for punishment.
Other reasons go to retribution, deterrence and social control. Prisons do provide retribution for the victims of crime and the worse the system is the easier it is to accomplish
that goal. In some way, prison is a deterrent factor, but that is debatable. If prisons were a good deterrent, prisons would be less crowded, not more. In fact, in
respect to the prison population, it had doubled between 1980 and 1990 (Carey-Webb, 1995). Finally, as a method of social control, it is acceptable, but many complain that a great
...