Week 11 Journal

Review your Week 1 Journal in which you answered the following question:

How much consideration should be given to a person’s background or life circumstances when decisions are made at critical points in the criminal justice system (e.g., decision to arrest, specific charges, decision to prosecute, sentencing, re-entry plan)?

This week, explain how your thoughts have changed over the quarter. Do you feel differently now than you did at the beginning of the course?

Week 1 Journal 

Crime is not an action. It is a reaction. Normal people do not commit crimes without any reason, it is always triggered by a stimulus. It could be an instant trigger that happens in case of self-defense when people have to respond at that very moment to save themselves or it could have a long back connecting background. Criminal justice professionals and social workers argue that the justice system must provide justice to both offender and victim. The victim suffered because of the actions of offenders but the actions of the offender also need special consideration. Studies show that most criminals have troubled past. Genetic problems are deemed as primary reasons along with troubled relations with family, friends, and society at large. It all triggers from family, the basic social unit.

Studies show that most criminals have troubled past. Genetic problems are deemed as primary reasons along with troubled relations with family, friends, and society at large. It all triggers from family, the basic social unit.

Psychologist states that an individual belonging to a dysfunctional family, broken family, or any sort of conflict between parents whether physical violence emotional or economic violence leaves its impact on the minds of children. The presence of aggression towards either parent, siblings or towards the kid himself leaves long term implications that are never positive. Poverty, economic burden, violent town or background also plays its part. These factors need special consideration while deciding the cases. In my opinion, these factors cannot be comprehended in detail at the time of arrest hence an alleged offender must be taken into custody when it is needed but while pressing specific charges or making the decision on whether to persecute someone or not, then this factor must be kept into consideration. Offenders need human sympathy and compassion too because the reason that they become so violent is that they lacked love and compassion in their life (Posick, 2013).

Posick, C. (2013, March 1). The Role of Empathy in Crime, Policing, and Justice. Retrieved from Scholars: https://scholars.org/brief/role-empathy-crime-policing-and-justice