Justice-Who is really responsible?

The United States Constitution tells us that we are entitled to a “Jury of our Peers” when we have to go to trial. We have an obligation as citizens to preform jury duty when asked by our government. This can be a local civil action, criminal case or a Grand Jury Investigation. Citizens who are selected for Jury Duty are fulfilling an important civic duty to help the Criminal Justice system function as the founding fathers intended. The concept of being tried by a jury of our peers is to make sure that no one person has control over the fate of anyone.

On page 154 of your text is an article entitled “Ethical challenges in Criminal Justice: A writing assignment”. The Louise Woodward Case is a famous case that happened in the greater Boston area. If we are guarenteed a trial by jury what happens to our rights if a judge overrules the jury? How does this effect potential jurors in the future? Read the article and respond to the questions posed in the text. Additionally, review the information that is identified as being on the Web. Use this information to help you justify your position. Don’t forget the response is due by Friday December 5th. Test this Tuesday. See you then.

Illegals speak of problems

On of the current problems facing the country today is what to do with the influx illegal aliens.  In the Worcester Telegram and Gazette on Thursday, March 19, there was an article referencing this situation.  However, the article dealt with the problems face in this country and who they feel that they are not treated fairly and live in fear of being discovered by the authorities.  They present examples of why they are being discriminated against.   After reading the article,  what are your thoughts on the situations described?  Should people who are in the country illegally have the rights or privileges that they feel they deserve?  This is an area that falls under the area of Criminal Justice System due to the fact that there is concern about their status and entitlements.

Responses are due, Thursday Mar, 26

http://www.telegram.com/article/20090319/NEWS/903190621/1116/NEWSREWIND

The Courts System

The other day in class we started discussing the court system and the role it plays in the criminal justice system.  You can’t open a newspaper, magazine or television news cast without seeing or hearing articles dealing the court system.  For example, Saturday’s Worcester Telegram and Gazette has a lengthy article about the District Attorney now setting up a new section in his office dealing with domestic violence to ensure that these offenses are brought to court quickly.  The court system in the United States is responsible for the effective enforcement of our laws as well as making sure the laws are enforced fair and equitably.

Part of our resonsibility as and informed citizens, is to be aware of the responsibilties of the court systems and how they operate.  Who are the players in the court system and how do they interact.

Your task is to identify 10 things that you know about the court system in the US.   You should also explain the items you identify.  See you Monday.

What is the right thing to do?

In the Worcester T & G on Friday (1/23/09) there was an article  referencing the fact that a person that had been arrested for the possession of child pornography.  The person was released because the evidence was thrown out by the judge.  After reading the article and using your text, what are your thoughts on the facts of the case and do you agree with the final distribution and why or why not.  Additionally, do you think that there are crimes that are so severe that the rules of evidence should be waived?

Due Monday 1/26/09

Be sure to cite your sources

What does it all mean?

I have been reading, with great interest, the reaction to the new marijuana law that has been enacted in Massachusetts.  If you have been following this, and since it effects all of us in one way or another, you should.  As you know, the voters in Massachusetts voted to decriminalize posession of a small amount of marijuana (less than an ounce) for personnal use.  Police chiefs and towns throughout the Commonwealth have been very vocal about how and why this was a bad decision by the people and how it would be unenforceable, police officers would  be unsure what to do with anyone they caught.  Additionally, one of the main comments from law enforcement personnel was the it would lead to increased use of other drugs.

Now we have responses from local (Auburn and Worcester) authorities about how they will manage the new law.  The Auburn News ran an article discribing the new law and the Auburn Chief”s reaction to the law and how he anticipates the town will react to the new requirements.  Additionally, the Worcester Telegram and Gazette has been running a series of articles about what Worcester is planning to do about the new regulations.   Your job is to research the reaction of  the local authorities and add your input to it.  You need to decide whether or not the authorities are acting in the best interest of the public, following the will of the people, or acting in their own interest.  Why do they believe what they do and how do they justify it.  What do you think?  Based upon your readings from the text and your own knowledge, what do you think is the right thing to do?

This will take you a little time.  This is due on Friday the 16th.  Read the material and be sure to cite the articles you use to support your ideas.  See you Tomorrow.

Vacation Blog

Sorry for the confusion folks but the problem is mine. Due to circumstances beyond my control I couldn’t get the blog up the way I had wanted to for the break. My apologies to everyone. However, if you responded looking for the new blog, I will be giving you credit, as long as you sent a query before midnight on January 4th. If you are reading this, a reminder to get in your permission slips and money for the field trip on the 14th. We need to get that in ASAP so that its not hanging over our heads at the last minute. We’ll talk about the blog on Monday and get set up for the next section. Hope you all had a great holiday and I’ll see you all on Monday!!!!!

Blog Response Worcester Police

Don’t forget that your response to the question posed on Tuesday is due tomorrow, Friday Nov. 21, 2008.  for those of you that forgot, the response is to the following issue described in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette over the last month.

“The Worcester Police Dept. has not responded to a Freedom of Information Act Request by the Telegram and Gazette.  Research the issue and and take a position whether or not you believe the police chief is justified in his position or should he be forced to respond.   Use information from the four articles in the T&G (2 items and 2 Opinion pieces)  to support your stance.

Here is a link to the T&G:

http://www.telegram.com/

Mr. Flynn’s Criminal Justice Blog

Well, here it is, the first blog attempt for Criminal History.  I have given this a lot of thought over the last week as to how this blog should proceed.  Should we study items on a case by case basis?  should we just go over the items we discussed in class?   Should it be strictly for review of items that we will cover in the book?  I think that after giving it much thought, that it should be about a specific topic within the Criminal Justice framework, but should be open to any item of interest.  That means that we will discuss items from the text but we will be open to items and issues from other sources.  If you have read an article in the newspaper or magazine, seen a story on television or found information from any other source, we will consider it as a topic for this blog.  The purpose of this blog is to bring out information and ideas that we may miss in class.  Your job is to respond to the blog and read all of the other responses.  I want you to feel free to comment on anything that I write and on any other posts to the blog.  There is no limit to the number of times you may respond, but you must respond to each new blog of mine  within 5 days and at least one of your classmates.

Since this is my first time blogging, please bear with me.  I a neophyte and am still learning.  Feel free to give any constructive criticism you think I need.  Also, please feel free to suggest topics for this page, I am open to suggestions.