Crim 131 final

Question 1

El Salvador’s War on Gangs vid

1. What was the primary reason for El Salvador’s government constructing the mega-prison for gang members?

Answer 1

The government built the mega-prison to control the growing gang violence and to isolate dangerous gang members from the public.

Question 2

2. How does the prison design reflect the government’s approach to handling gang violence?

Answer 2

The prison is designed to keep gang members separated and under strict surveillance, showing that the government is taking a strong approach to stop gang activity and prevent violence.

Question 3

3. What are some of the human rights concerns raised about the conditions inside the prison?

Answer 3

Concerns include overcrowding, poor living conditions, and the lack of basic human rights, such as adequate food, healthcare, and access to legal support.

Question 4

How has the public in El Salvador reacted to the government’s approach to tackling gang violence?

Answer 4

Many people support the government’s hardline approach, seeing it as necessary to combat the gang violence, while others are worried about the impact on human rights and the fairness of the system.

Question 5

5. What are the potential long-term implications (outcomes) of El Salvador’s approach to gang violence for its justice system and society?

Answer 5

Long-term effects may include more pressure on the justice system, more human rights abuses, and the risk of gang members becoming more extreme. This approach could also cause greater social divisions and unrest. (Society might become more divided, with more protests or conflicts.)

Question 6

Questions Based on Foucault’s Panopticon: The Inspiration for George Orwell’s 1984 video

(concept inspired by the architectural design of a prison created)
1. What is the central concept of the Panopticon, and how does it function as a system of control?

Answer 6

The Panopticon is a prison design where a single guard can observe all prisoners without them knowing when they are being watched. It works as a system of control because prisoners behave better if they believe they are always under surveillance.

Question 7

2. How does Foucault use the Panopticon as a metaphor for modern society?

Answer 7

Foucault uses the Panopticon to show how modern society controls people. He argues that, like prisoners in the Panopticon, people in society feel watched and self-regulate their behavior even without direct observation.

Question 8

3. What parallels (similar) can be drawn between Foucault’s Panopticon and Orwell’s depiction of Big Brother in 1984?

Answer 8

Both the Panopticon and Big Brother represent constant surveillance to control individuals. In both systems, people modify their behavior because they fear being watched, even though they might not always know when or how.

Question 9

4. Why does Foucault consider the Panopticon a more effective form of power than physical punishment?

Answer 9

Foucault sees the Panopticon as more effective because it encourages self-discipline. Instead of using force, it makes people control their actions because they are unsure when they are being watched, leading to a more constant form of power.

Question 10

5. In what ways does the Panopticon influence social structures beyond the prison system?

Answer 10

The Panopticon influences areas like schools, workplaces, and surveillance systems, where people are constantly monitored or feel watched, leading them to behave in ways that align with societal expectations.

Question 11

6. How does the concept of self-surveillance connect to modern technologies?

Answer 11

Self-surveillance is connected to modern technologies like smartphones, social media, and cameras, where individuals often track their own behavior or feel watched by others, encouraging conformity and self-regulation.

Question 12

Question Based on Norwegian Prisons video

What is the central philosophy of punishment used in Norway, and how does it reflect their approach to rehabilitation?

Answer 12

Norway’s central philosophy of punishment focuses on rehabilitation rather than retribution. They try to help offenders return to society by providing education, job training, and therapy. They believe treating prisoners kindly lowers the chance they will commit crimes again.

Question 13

Questions Based on An Eye for an Eye (CNN) Video

1. Describe the key events involving the main character in this video.

Answer 13

“The main character is a victim of a violent crime who seeks justice through the legal system. The video highlights their physical and emotional struggles after the attack, their experiences in court facing the offender, and their thoughts on the concept of ‘an eye for an eye’ as a form of justice. It explores their journey from pain to seeking closure or retribution.”

Question 14

2. What kind of punishment did the victim request from the court, and how is this type of punishment classified?

Answer 14

The victim requested a form of punishment that involved revenge or retribution. This type of punishment is classified as “retributive justice,” where the focus is on making the offender suffer in a similar way to the victim’s harm.

Question 15

3. What action did the victim specifically want to take against the offender?

Answer 15

The victim specifically wanted to take matters into their own hands and inflict physical harm on the offender as payback for what had been done to them.

Question 16

Questions Based on Ashley Smith: Out of Control (2010) - The Fifth Estate video

1. What led to Ashley Smith’s initial incarceration, and how did her sentence extend over time?

Answer 16

Ashley Smith was first jailed for throwing a crabapple at a postal worker. Over time, her sentence grew longer due to multiple offenses in custody and her ongoing behavioral problems.

Assaulting staff or other inmates
Damaging property
Self-harm incidents
Non-compliance with prison rules
Disruptive behavior

Question 17

2. How did the correctional system respond to Ashley Smith’s self-harming behaviors, and what were the outcomes?

Answer 17

The correctional system placed Ashley in solitary confinement when she self-harmed, but this approach failed to help her. Her mental health worsened, and she continued to hurt herself.

Question 18

3. What role did solitary confinement play in Ashley Smith’s mental health and behavior?

Answer 18

Solitary confinement made Ashley’s mental health worse. It led to increased isolation, depression, and anxiety, contributing to more self-harming behavior.

Question 19

4. What were the consequences of correctional staff adhering to orders about intervening during Ashley Smith’s self-harm incidents?

Answer 19

Staff were told not to intervene during Ashley’s self-harm, leading to her injury and eventually her death. The failure to act showed a lack of proper care and concern.

Question 20

5. How did the public and media react to the release of footage showing Ashley Smith’s treatment in custody?

Answer 20

The public and media were shocked and outraged by the footage. It led to widespread criticism of how Ashley was treated and raised concerns about prison practices.

Question 21

6. What systemic issues within the Canadian correctional system were highlighted by Ashley Smith’s case?

Answer 21

Her case highlighted issues like poor mental health care, the overuse of solitary confinement, and the lack of appropriate treatment for vulnerable inmates

Question 22

7. Why were correctional staff ordered to reduce the frequent “use of force” during Ashley Smith’s self-harm episodes?

Answer 22

Staff were ordered to reduce the use of force because it was seen as damaging and ineffective, and it could worsen Ashley’s condition.

Question 23

8. What was Ashley Smith’s psychiatric or psychological diagnosis?

Answer 23

Ashley Smith was diagnosed with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder, which contributed to her self-harming behavior.

Question 24

Describe briefly the issues that surround the effectiveness of police strategies and operations

What makes it hard for police strategies and actions to work well?

Answer 24

• Responsibility and Openness: People are concerned when police officers act inappropriately, use excessive force, or fail to be open about their actions. Without accountability, the public may lose trust in the police, thinking they are not being held responsible for their actions. Transparency is important to show that the police are doing their job properly.
• Bias and Discrimination: Issues like racial profiling or treating certain communities unfairly can harm the relationship between the police and the public. When people feel that police are biased or discriminatory, they may lose confidence in law enforcement, making it harder for police to do their job effectively.
• Limited resrouce: Police departments often have limited resources, such as funding, staff, and equipment. This can affect their ability to respond quickly to crime or meet the needs of the community. When resources are stretched too thin, it can impact the quality of police work and the safety of the public.
• Community Trust: Building trust between the police and the community is essential for effective policing. If the public views the police negatively or believes they do not have their best interests at heart, it can lead to a breakdown in cooperation. Positive relationships are key to preventing crime and addressing community concerns.
• Technology and Innovation: The use of new technologies, like surveillance cameras, body cameras, or data collection tools, can help police do their job more effectively. However, this raises concerns about privacy and people’s civil rights. Striking the right balance between safety and individual freedoms is a major issue in modern policing.

Question 25

Professional Model of Policing

Answer 25

Focus: Law enforcement, maintaining order

Approach: Reactive, centralized control, strict law enforcement

Strengths: Efficient and organized, Effective at addressing immediate crime issues

Weaknesses: Creates a disconnect with the community, Lacks focus on crime prevention

Main Goal: Enforce the law and maintain order

Question 26

Community Policing

Answer 26

Focus: Building trust and collaboration with the community

Approach: Proactive, working directly with the community to solve problems

Strengths:
* Fosters trust between police and community
* Improves crime prevention
* Enhances quality of life in neighborhoods

Weaknesses:
* Time-consuming and resource-intensive
* May face resistance from some communities

Main Goal: Prevent crime by building positive relationships with the community

Question 27

Community-Focused Strategic Policing

Answer 27

Focus: Addressing root causes of crime through partnerships and social services

Approach: Proactive, combines law enforcement with social service collaboration

Strengths:
* Long-term crime reduction
* Holistic approach to public safety

Weaknesses:
* Requires significant resources
* Depends on collaboration with various community groups

Main Goal: Solve social issues contributing to crime, reduce crime in the long-term

Question 28

Describe the various techniques used in community-focused strategic policing.

Answer 28

• Crime Prevention: Focuses on long-term prevention by addressing social issues like poverty, education, and substance abuse
• Problem-solving policing: Police work with the community to address the root causes of crime.
• Community engagement: Officers build trust by attending meetings and interacting with community members.
• Hot spot policing: Police focus on high-crime areas to allocate resources effectively.
• youth programs and mentoring: Police mentor at-risk youth to prevent involvement in crime.

Question 29

Summarize public attitudes toward and confidence in the police.

Answer 29

People’s views on the police vary. Some support the police for keeping people safe, but others, especially minorities, don’t trust them due to concerns about unfair treatment and violence. Trust is higher when police engage with the community but drops after incidents of police misconduct

Question 30

6. Challenges of developing and sustaining police-community partnerships:

Answer 30

Building trust can be hard due to past bad experiences or fear of bias. Differences in culture and resources also make cooperation difficult. Police need to balance law enforcement with relationship-building.

Question 31

Debate over the role and activities of groups like Anonymous and Creep Catchers:

Answer 31

Groups like Anonymous and Creep Catchers act outside the law to expose wrongdoers. Some support their actions, but others worry they break the law and harm people without proper legal process.

Question 32

Primary and secondary crime prevention programs:

Answer 32

Primary programs stop crime before it happens, like education or community support. Secondary programs It targets those who have already shown signs of criminal behavior or are in situations where they might be more likely to offend, often through support programs, counseling, or education.

Question 33

Crime response and crime attack strategies:

Answer 33

Crime response is reacting to crime after it happens, like arrests. Crime attack focuses on stopping crime before it happens, like more patrols. Crime attack is usually more effective

Question 34

Issues with high technology in crime response:

Answer 34

High technology in crime response can lead to privacy invasions through tools like facial recognition, misuse by targeting specific groups, high costs for maintenance, and risks of biased algorithms or cybersecurity breaches.

Question 35

Issues with high technology in crime response

Answer 35

Technology, like cameras or data tracking, helps catch criminals but raises concerns about privacy and misuse of information.

Question 36

Police and vulnerable/at-risk groups:

Answer 36

Police often struggle to trust vulnerable groups, like minorities or the homeless, because of past bad experiences. Building trust takes time and effort, but bias can still be a problem.

Question 37

Structure and operation of criminal courts

Answer 37

Criminal courts deal with cases where people are accused of crimes. Judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers work together to decide guilt and sentencing.

Question 38

Specialized problem-solving courts:

Answer 38

These courts focus on helping those with special needs, like mental health issues or addiction, by offering treatment instead of punishment. They can be effective by addressing the root causes of crime.

Question 39

Operation and objectives of Indigenous courts:

Answer 39

Indigenous courts focus on resolving cases in ways that respect Indigenous culture. They aim to support healing and community involvement, often using alternative sentencing.

Question 40

Challenges of circuit (Issues) courts in remote areas

Answer 40

Providing judicial services in remote areas is challenging due to long travel distances, limited access to legal professionals, insufficient infrastructure like court facilities, and difficulties in ensuring timely hearings and fair trials.

Question 41

Courtroom workgroup professionals and their roles

Answer 41

The courtroom workgroup includes judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and court staff. Each has a role in ensuring the trial runs smoothly and fairly.

Question 42

Judicial appointments in Canada and issues around it

Answer 42

Judicial appointments in Canada are the process of choosing judges to work in courts, based on their qualifications, experience, and recommendations. political influences and beliefs can sometimes play a role in the decision.

political leaders may select judges based on their political views rather than qualifications, potentially undermining the impartiality of the judiciary.

Question 43

Judicial ethics and accountability:

Answer 43

Judicial ethics involve judges being fair, impartial, and avoiding conflicts of interest. Accountability ensures they follow the law and are held responsible for misconduct.

Question 44

Case delay and R v. Jordan

Answer 44

Case delay happens when trials take longer than they should, often leading to a violation of the defendant’s right to a timely trial. The R v. Jordan decision in 2016 established that criminal trials must be completed within 18 months for provincial cases and 30 months for cases in superior courts, aiming to reduce delays and ensure defendants are not left waiting too long for their trial.

Question 45

Goals of sentencing

Answer 45

The goals of sentencing are deterrence, punishment, rehabilitation, and protecting society

Question 46

Deterrence

Answer 46

Deterrence is a strategy that aims to prevent crime by making an example of those who are punished, showing others that they will face consequences for similar behavior. For example, a highly publicized trial and severe sentence for a person convicted of drunk driving may discourage others from committing the same offense, as they see the punishment that follows.

Question 47

Retribution

Answer 47

Retribution is a form of punishment that aims to make offenders suffer consequences that are proportionate to the severity of their crime. For example, a person convicted of murder might receive a long prison sentence or the death penalty, while someone who commits theft may face jail time or community service. The focus is on giving offenders what they deserve for their actions.

Question 48

Incapacitation

its kinda like the El savador prsion

Answer 48

Incapacitation is a punishment strategy that involves removing criminals from society, such as through imprisonment, to prevent them from committing further crimes. For example, a repeat offender might be sentenced to a long prison term to keep them from harming others, or a violent criminal might be placed in solitary confinement to reduce the risk of further violence.

Question 49

Rehabilitation

Answer 49

Rehabilitation is a punishment strategy aimed at helping offenders change their behavior through programs like counseling, education, or job training, so they can reintegrate into society and avoid reoffending. For example, a person convicted of drug offenses might receive treatment for addiction, while a young offender might participate in educational programs to improve their skills and reduce the risk of future crimes.

Question 50

Restoration

Answer 50

Restoration is about fixing the harm caused by a crime, usually by having the offender make up for it. This could include paying back money to the victim for damage done or doing community service to help the community. For example, if someone breaks a window, they might have to pay for the repair, or if a person commits vandalism, they might have to clean up a park as part of their sentence.

Question 51

. Sentencing options for judges

Answer 51

Judges can decide on different types of punishment depending on the crime, such as sending someone to prison, placing them on probation, requiring them to pay fines, ordering community service, or enrolling them in rehabilitation programs.

Question 52

Judicial determination and restraint orders

Answer 52

Judicial determination is when a judge decides the right punishment for an offender based on the crime committed. For example, a judge might impose a prison sentence or order probation.

Restraint orders are legal restrictions placed on offenders, such as preventing them from contacting a victim or going near certain places. For instance, an offender convicted of harassment might be ordered not to contact the victim.

Question 53

Considerations in sentencing

Answer 53

Judges think about several things when deciding what punishment to give an offender. They consider how serious the crime was, the offender’s past history, and how the sentence will keep the public safe. For example, if someone committed a minor crime and has no criminal record, the judge might give a lighter sentence. But if the person has a history of crime and committed a serious offense, the judge will likely give a tougher sentence to protect others.

Question 54

Sentencing Indigenous offenders

Answer 54

Sentencing Indigenous offenders is difficult because of factors such as past injustices and ongoing bias in the justice system. Courts need to take into account the offender’s cultural background and the needs of their community when deciding on a sentence. For example, an Indigenous person might face challenges like poverty or trauma from past injustices, and their sentence might involve programs that address these issues, like healing circles or community support.

Question 55

Sentencing and crime victims and issue

Answer 55

Sentencing and crime victims are closely linked because the effects of the crime on the victim are often taken into account when deciding the punishment for the offender. For example, if a victim has been seriously hurt or traumatized, the judge might give a harsher sentence to show how serious the crime was. Also, crime victims may be allowed to speak in court about how the crime affected them, and this can help influence the sentence to ensure the victim feels justice is done. Sentencing and crime victims raise issues about whether victims’ harm is properly considered in court, the fairness of restorative justice, and the influence of victim impact statements and public opinion on sentencing.

Question 56

Effectiveness of sentencing options

Answer 56

Different sentencing options work better for different crimes and offenders. Rehabilitation and community programs are often more effective than long prison sentences.

Question 57

Federal and provincial/territorial correctional systems

Answer 57

The federal system handles offenders who are sentenced to two years or more in prison. These offenders are usually held in larger, higher-security prisons.

The provincial/territorial system deals with people sentenced to less than two years or those awaiting trial. Offenders in this system are usually held in smaller, local jails or correctional facilities. Both systems aim to punish, rehabilitate, and reintegrate offenders back into society.

Question 58

Prison architecture and philosophies

Answer 58

Prison designs, like the Panopticon, radial, and campus models, are based on different ideas such as punishment, rehabilitation, deterrence, and restoring justice, with modern prisons focusing more on helping inmates change and rejoin society.

Question 59

Types of correctional institutions and security

Answer 59

Correctional institutions in Canada are classified into maximum, medium, and minimum security levels, with federal and provincial/territorial facilities managing inmates based on the risk they pose, while specialized institutions cater to specific needs like mental health treatment or youth offenders..

Question 60

Challenges in managing correctional institutions

Answer 60

Challenges include overcrowding, managing different inmate populations, and ensuring safety for both staff and inmates.

Question 61

Profile of Canadian inmates

Answer 61

Canadian inmates include a mix of men, women, and Indigenous people, with many facing mental health and addiction issues.

Question 62

Special inmate populations and challenges

Answer 62

Special inmate populations include those with mental health issues, women, and Indigenous inmates. These groups face unique challenges, like discrimination or lack of appropriate treatment.

Question 63

Overcrowding in prisons

Answer 63

Overcrowding in prisons happens when there are more inmates than the facility can handle, leading to issues like poor living conditions, increased violence, and limited access to rehabilitation programs.

Question 64

Describe the use of segregation, the issues surrounding this strategy, and three cases that
changed its application.

Answer 64

Segregation in prisons isolates inmates for safety or disciplinary reasons but can cause mental health issues and human rights concerns, with cases like R v. Brown (1987), R v. Collins, and R v. Ponta (2016) challenging its use due to its harmful effects.

Question 65

Recruitment and training of correctional officers:

Answer 65

Correctional officers are recruited through a competitive process that typically includes background checks, interviews, physical fitness tests, and psychological evaluations. Their training includes learning about prison rules, security protocols, communication skills, and conflict resolution.

The role of correctional officers is to ensure the safety and security of the prison, manage inmate behavior, enforce rules, and oversee daily activities like meals and recreation. They build relationships with inmates to maintain order and provide support, while also working closely with other staff to handle emergencies and manage conflicts.

Sources of stress for correctional officers include the risk of violence, long shifts, high-pressure situations, dealing with difficult inmates, and emotional tolls from working in a high-stress, often hostile environment. These challenges can lead to burnout and mental health issues.

Question 66

Explain the dynamics of life inside prisons, including the inmate code, violence and
victimization, and the experience of inmates.

Answer 66

Life inside prisons is shaped by complex dynamics, including the inmate code, a set of unwritten rules that govern behavior among prisoners. This code emphasizes loyalty, respect, and maintaining a tough exterior, with violations often leading to violence or social exclusion.

Violence and victimization are common in prisons, as inmates may use aggression to assert power, protect themselves, or settle disputes. This violence can lead to physical harm, psychological trauma, and the creation of a hierarchical system within the prison where stronger inmates dominate weaker ones.

The experience of inmates varies widely, but many face challenges like overcrowding, isolation, and limited access to rehabilitation programs. Some inmates struggle with adjusting to life behind bars, while others develop coping strategies like forming alliances or engaging in illicit activities. The lack of privacy and constant surveillance can also lead to stress and mental health issues.

Question 67

Discuss offender classification, the role of risk/needs profiles, and case management.

Answer 67

Offender classification is when authorities assess an inmate’s risk level and what help they need. This helps decide the right security level and programs for them.

Risk/needs profiles are used to determine how likely an offender is to commit more crimes (risk) and what support or treatment they need (needs), like help with addiction or education. These profiles guide decisions about where inmates are placed and what programs they should participate in.

Case management is creating a personalized plan for each inmate based on their risk and needs. This plan can include things like schooling, therapy, or job training, and it is regularly updated to help reduce the chance of reoffending and support their return to society.

Question 68

Effectiveness of correctional treatment programs

Answer 68

Treatment programs like education or therapy can reduce reoffending if they are well-designed and properly funded.

Question 69

Goals of the Panopticon

Answer 69

The Panopticon aimed to create a prison system that could control inmates through constant surveillance.

Question 70

Architecture of the Panopticon

Answer 70

The Panopticon had a central watchtower allowing guards to see all inmates without them knowing when they were being watched.

Question 71

Explain the tools used for prisoner control inside the Panopticon

Answer 71

The main tool for control was the central surveillance, which kept inmates under constant observation. inside the Panopticon, control is maintained through constant surveillance, where prisoners feel always watched, causing them to regulate their own behavior.

Question 72

Panopticism

Answer 72

Panopticism is the idea that people control their own behavior because they always feel like they are being watched, even if they aren’t sure when or by whom.

Question 73

Examples of Panopticons in modern life

Answer 73

Examples include CCTV cameras in public spaces, workplace monitoring, and tracking through smartphones.