CRIMINAL JUSTICE 4 ASSIGNMENTS
300 words Argue for or against the following proposition: Diversion or deferred adjudication should be completely abolished as an option for defendants.

Based on your research, your response should include the answers to the following questions:

· What are the purposes of pretrial diversion? Explain how pretrial diversion accomplishes one or more of the goals of corrections (rehabilitation, deterrence, etc.).

· Describe the process of pretrial diversion in your local area. Specify the types of crime and offenders that qualify for pretrial diversion.

· Is pretrial diversion a fair and equitable process? Consider whether there are any unfair aspects to the process.

· Describe the ways in which pretrial diversion and drug courts are related.

300 words Are community-based corrections a punishment or a method of rehabilitation?

· If you were a sentencing judge, what factors would be important as you decided whether to sentence an offender to an intermediate punishment? Are there any types of offenders or crimes that would be particularly well-suited for these types of sentences? Are there any types of crimes that would automatically disqualify an offender from community-based corrections?

· Can we truly prevent future criminal behavior by removing the problem that caused the offender to break the law in the first place, or do you believe in the classical notion that criminals make rational choices when they decide to commit a crime? Explain your reasoning.

· Should shock incarceration be utilized as an alternative punishment for juveniles as well as adults? Explain your reasoning

300 words Locate recent information about your state’s parole process. (south carolina) Many states’ parole boards have their own websites; others publish their annual reports as part of the state’s Department of Corrections annual report.. If your state no longer offers parole, choose from one of the states still engaged in parole. Once you have located parole board information, address the following issues in your submission to the discussion board:

· Identify the state you have selected and summarize the effectiveness of the state’s parole process. What percentage of parole petitions are granted? What is the makeup of the parole board?

· How successful are parolees once they have been released? Your chosen state should have information regarding the number or percentage of parolees who are re-incarcerated.

· Identify the difficulties that a paroled offender will face upon being released. What does your chosen state do to try to assist the parolee’s transition? Is there more that the state or local government can do?

· Identify any functions that nonprofit organizations or private citizens may perform when it comes to assisting parolees after they have been released.

300 words Addiction and Rehabilitation

Offenders with addictions are often required to participate in a twelve-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous as a condition of their probation or parole. Locate and read through the twelve steps carefully, then address these questions:

· Review and summarize the twelve-step program. Are there any drawbacks to these programs?

· Cite data that indicates whether they are successful. Are programs such as these appropriate for the purpose of rehabilitating a probationer?

· Explain your reasoning, keeping in mind that these programs were not necessarily designed for offenders but rather to help those with addictions.

· Can we prevent future criminal behavior by removing the problem that caused the offender to break the law in the first place, or do you believe in the classical notion that criminals make rational choices when they decide to commit a crime?

· How would your answer to the above question affect the way you approach your job as a probation officer?