Reference no: EM133444968 , Length: word count:1750
STEP 1: Choose one of the questions to respond to Review the assigned materials for this module, including lecture and readings.
Choose one of the following questions to respond to:
Prompt 1
While each of the proposed recommendations offered by Huff may offer value, which of the eight do you believe holds the most promise in relation to reducing wrongful convictions? To the greatest extent possible, ensure you draw on the existing evidence base (i.e., prior research studies) to support why you believe the selected recommendation offers the greatest promise.
Prompt 2
To what extent have the reform efforts over the past 40 to 50 plus years led to more fair and consistent sentencing outcomes? To the greatest extent possible, ensure you draw on the existing evidence base (i.e., prior research studies) to justify your answer.
Prompt 3
Define/describe prosecutorial discretion, high case loads, and plea bargaining. For each characteristic, explain 1) how it relates to decision-making, 2) which cases/crimes are processed, and 3) the efficiency and fairness of decisions. Then, state which factor poses the biggest challenge to the goal or ideal of justice. To the greatest extent possible, ensure you draw on the existing evidence base (i.e., prior research studies) to justify your answer.
Prompt 4
Consider the following questions:
1) What causes sentencing disparities? Be sure to discuss individual and organizational factors that contribute to disparities.
2) There is evidence that several different actors contribute to sentencing disparities, including offenders, police, prosecutors, and even law-makers. Who do you think is the most responsible for sentencing disparities? Explain why you think that, and support your argument with scientific evidence.
3) What programs or policies have been put in place to reduce or prevent sentencing disparities? Are they working? To the greatest extent possible, ensure you draw on the existing evidence base (i.e., prior research studies) to justify your answer.