Reference no: EM132691419
Diversity of Religion in the Criminal Justice System
Getting Started
Criminal justice professionals take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. In order to comply with this oath, they will need to understand and be mindful of the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion, and the limits thereof.
Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:
• Articulate the advantages and disadvantages of allowing the exercise of freedom of religion in our incarcerated population.
Resources
• Textbook: Collective, C. J., Prior, S., & Jones, L. (2018). Investigating difference: human and cultural relations in criminal justice (3rd ed.). Pearson.
Background Information
As our population in America has become more religiously diverse, our correctional facilities have been faced with issues related to religious freedom. Many lawsuits have been filed in Federal Court to force jails and prisons to accommodate religious practices, including everything from halal food service and prayer rugs to smoking peyote and allowing long hair and facial hair. As more religious groups are accommodated, sheriffs and wardens are having to balance religious liberty with the rights of others so they can maintain good order and discipline in their facilities.
Instructions
1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
2. Read Chapter 20 in our textbook and respond to the following:
a. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having diverse religious services and other religious accommodations within correctional facilities? Give examples to illustrate your points.