Criminal justice system

Pick one aspect of the criminal justice system: policing, courts, or corrections in your local community. Identify one deficiency within your chosen area and explain how you would improve that deficiency. Why did you choose this particular deficiency?Your journal entry must be at least 200 words in length. No references or citations are necessary.
Pick one of the countries discussed in the Unit V Lesson Presentation (Japan). Explain one aspect of its criminal justice system (policing, corrections, or the courts) that you believe could be improved. If you were in charge of that countrys criminal justice system, what would you do to make it stronger? What changes could be implemented that could make it weaker? How does that system compare to the U.S. criminal justice system? must be at least 300 words in length with 1 reference minimum

Full Answer Section

       
  • Community-based problem-solving: Encouraging officers to actively participate in community problem-solving initiatives, such as addressing issues like homelessness, substance abuse, and youth violence.
  • Diversifying the police force: Recruiting and hiring officers who reflect the diversity of the community they serve can improve trust and understanding.  

Japanese Criminal Justice System: Focus on Corrections

One area for potential improvement in the Japanese criminal justice system is the reliance on long-term imprisonment. While the system emphasizes rehabilitation, lengthy prison sentences, even for non-violent offenses, can have detrimental effects on individuals and their families.

To address this, I would:

  • Promote alternative sentencing options: Explore and expand the use of community-based corrections, such as probation, parole, and restorative justice programs, for non-violent offenders.
  • Invest in rehabilitation programs: Strengthen rehabilitation programs within prisons to improve reintegration into society and reduce recidivism rates. This could include vocational training, education programs, and mental health services.

Changes that could weaken the system:

  • Reduced emphasis on rehabilitation: Focusing solely on punishment and neglecting rehabilitation efforts could increase recidivism rates and undermine the goals of the justice system.
  • Erosion of due process rights: Weakening safeguards for the accused, such as the right to legal counsel and the presumption of innocence, could lead to miscarriages of justice.  

Comparison to the U.S. System:

The Japanese system, with its emphasis on rehabilitation and restorative justice, contrasts with certain aspects of the U.S. system, which often prioritizes incarceration and has a higher incarceration rate. However, concerns about potential human rights violations and the effectiveness of long-term imprisonment exist in both systems.

Reference:

This analysis provides a starting point for a deeper exploration of the strengths and weaknesses of the Japanese criminal justice system and its potential areas for improvement.

 

Sample Answer

       

Local Deficiency:

One major deficiency I see within the policing system in my community is the lack of adequate community policing initiatives. While there are efforts to build relationships between officers and residents, they often feel superficial or sporadic. This lack of consistent community engagement can lead to mistrust, hinder effective communication, and limit the ability of police to address community concerns proactively.

To improve this, I would advocate for:

  • Increased community policing programs: This could involve regular community meetings, foot patrols, and youth outreach programs to foster stronger relationships between officers and residents.