uniform sentencing pros and cons
In this case, the 10-year-old girl allegedly dropped the baby boy, who then hit his head and began to cry. It is a process which seems to disproportionally target minority demographics. The FSA intent is to reduce the gap between the amount of crack cocaine and powder cocaine needed to initiate federal criminal penalties from a 100:1 weight ratio to an 18:1 . It does not usually offer an opportunity for rehabilitation. The girl then allegedly panicked, choosing to stomp him on the head to get him to be quiet. One of the primary arguments in favor of mandatory sentencing is that it creates a sense of justice and fairness. According to the 2016 juvenile justice report released by King County, WA, more than 85% of the defendants charged with robbery were 16 or 17 years old, with 50% of them using a firearm to commit their crime. Here are the key points of debate to look at. One exception was found in government-run boarding schools for Native American children, first established in the late 1800s, where the children, who had been removed from their families, were dressed in military-style uniforms. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mandatory sentencing. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of an issue . To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether students should have to wear . She asked her 9-year-old son for some change, since the transaction occurred at her home. Similar to athletic team uniforms, proponents argue that dressing cohesively increases pride, unity, and a renewed commitment to the school. They Can Be Expensive for Parents. 7. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Ann. 0. The Supreme Court of the United States declared that all states must retroactively apply a band on mandatory death-in-prison sentences for juveniles. Many harsh prison sentences are created to keep others from committing the same crime for worry of obtaining a similar sentence. The economic burden of court costs, legal fees, restitution, and visitation can have long-term consequences for everyone involved. When schools introduce school uniforms, all their students must wear the same clothing to ensure a level playing field. Her boyfriend was 23 and a self-proclaimed 300-year-old werewolf. Jasmine was given 10 years in prison. For those unfamiliar with the concept, mandatory sentencing refers to laws that impose a fixed punishment for certain crimes, regardless of mitigating factors such as an offenders age, criminal history, or the circumstances of the crime. One of the primary arguments in favor of mandatory sentencing is that it creates a sense of justice and fairness. There are certainly some definite pros and cons to mandatory sentencing, and here are some of them: 1. The school uniform might create a fashion balance, but it also creates a natural rebellion against group thinking. Federal Sentencing Guidelines. 3. The Pros and Cons of Military Service. Often times when a judge issues a sentence he or she has relatively no say on whether or not show more content. Indeterminate sentencing comes down to the inmate's behavior while incarcerated. It provides a way to teach accountability. Determinate Sentencing Pros and Cons. Although the goal of these laws may have initially been to punish the most serious offenses, they have been applied for laws that are not serious or violent over the past 20 years. In indeterminate sentencing, the release date calculation is up to the state parole board to review the case and determine the appropriate release date. Sentencing used to be done by judges or juries, but with mandatory minimum sentences, a guilty verdict would mean that prosecutors have more control over sentences offenders would receive. In one certain case, a desperate mother of four children was paid 100 dollars to send an unknown package to someone, without knowing that it contained crack cocaine. They stop unjust sentencing practices. If a juvenile is charged with an adult crime, then such an action may limit the civil responsibilities that the parents have for the conduct of their child. All rights reserved. 6. 1. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ablison_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',618,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ablison_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',618,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-618{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. At the end of the day, the decision about incorporating school uniforms (or a dress code) comes down to the specific school and its unique needs. In some cases, it creates unjust sentences 3. A study conducted in 1999 showed that longer sentences had a 3% recidivism rate. 4. Students can express their individuality in school uniforms by introducing variations and adding accessories. 1. School uniforms promote conformity over individuality. By establishing uniform standards for offenders, mandatory sentencing laws help to ensure that those who have committed similar crimes will receive similar punishments. Mandatory uniforms were far more prevalent in high-poverty schools (in which 76% of students were eligible for reduced-cost or free lunch programs) than in low-poverty schools. Traditionally favored by private andparochial institutions, school uniforms are being adopted by US public schools in increasing numbers. School uniforms promote equality among students. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether students should have to wear school uniforms, go to ProCon.org. - Definition, Violations & History, What Is the Death Penalty? It can be used to target specific groups of people. It removes the authority a judge has for sentencing discretion because it treats every convicted person in the same way. If illegal actions seem like they are normal or accepted in their household, then they will see that as being an acceptable course of action to take in the rest of society as well. What Is the Difference Between Uniforms and a Dress Code?. Some argue that the cons of school uniforms outweigh the pros. Reports produced from this collection summarize the movement of prisoners into . Supporters of globalization argue that it has the potential to make this world a better place to live in and solve some of the deep-seated problems like unemployment and poverty. Schools that use uniforms argue that they: Some argue that the cons of school uniforms outweigh the pros. They can lead to a decrease in serious crime. There are many crimes which children commit that are severe and draw into question how safe a community would be if they were allowed to be set free or serve a reduced or alternative sentence. The judge may consider a variety of . Conversely, the board has the power to deny the inmate release, keeping the person in custody until their next parole hearing. Someone can make a legitimate mistake, not realize that something is against the law, and receive a long sentence because of it. 2. Dress codes takes away the distraction of the student's . Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 12 Prevailing Pros And Cons Of Criminal Profiling, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. Free . When kids enter the adult court system, then they do not usually have the same opportunity to acquire critical skills, experiences, or competencies that are critical to their future success as an adult. There are three issues: the work the prisoners do; whether they should have to do it; and how much they should get paid for it. The key findings used to tout the benefits of uniforms are questionable. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. His appeal argued for equal protection rights, but the court said that a heinous sex crime was not similar to a civil case that did not involve any crime. 25% of the people who were sentenced to life in prison as a juvenile have no possibility of parole. Because mandatory minimum sentences assign lengthy terms to convicted individuals, the threat of a potential conviction is used by law enforcement as an interview tool. In fact, a 2020 report showed that the percentage of public schools that require uniforms went from 12% in 1999 to 20% in 2017. Student Safety. If they feel like it is improper to have the case held there, then they can take permitted actions as a juror to make that preference known. Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 22 Advantages and Disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. They can lead to a decrease in crime. Log in. Judges who work in the juvenile justice system have multiple options available to them when sentencing children who commit a crime. The justice system usually focuses on rehabilitation with indeterminate sentencing instead of retributive corrections. When a person is intoxicated, there would be a change in his behavior or personality, which can affect his self-control. Polo shirts or blouses, usually in plain colors like white and/or the colors of the school, Blazers, worn for more formal occasions (such as Mass at Catholic schools), Sweatshirts or some other form of sweater with the school's name or logo. Students dressed in uniform are better perceived by teachers and peers. One of the many benefits of wearing school uniforms for children is that they create a sense of identity and unity among school students. The defendant appealed after serving 37 years for a crime that carried a maximum sentence of 24 years. The judge decided to hand out a sentence of 30 days anyway. In theory, the harsher the determinate sentencing happens to be, then the more likely someone is going to choose to follow the law so they dont have to deal with legal consequences. A parole board cannot review determinate sentencing, as the judge gives the final ruling. Records showed a history of violence and a previous no-contact order that Lockridge violated. The push for school uniforms is driven by commercial interests rather than educational ones. The process is simple and straightforward. Sentence Examples. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines are non-binding rules that set out a uniform sentencing policy for defendants convicted in the United States federal court system that became effective in 1987. Only 28 states have passed laws which ban employers from placing the conviction history of an individual on a job application. 1. The charges that are targeted for the most extensive minimum mandatory sentences tend to be those that minority groups are charged with the most. It does not provide them with youth-specific services. sentences. Create an account to start this course today. As prosecutors make the decision of what charges to put against the defendants, they can stack the deck, which involves over-charging them in order to reach a guilty plea. In addition, they keep students safer by making sure they are obviously dressed as students. 10. On the other hand, indeterminate sentencing gives defendants a time range, with no specific release date. Con: There are many reasons against wearing school uniforms. Mandatory drug sentencing laws came about in the 1980s in the height of the War on Drugs.The seizure of 3,906 pounds of cocaine, valued then at over $100 million wholesale, from a Miami International Airport hangar on March 9, 1982, brought about the public's awareness of the Medellin Cartel, Colombian drug traffickers working together, and changed U.S. law . 7. They are instead subjected to an environment where adult offenders become their teachers and idols, which can often lead to an ongoing cycle of crime. The Pros And Cons Of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws 811 Words | 4 Pages. It offers a suitable penalty for severe crimes that some juveniles commit. 3. In the US, 300 million people are having their unique opinions on certain subjects. There is no question about whether a judge likes someone or not. 1. Penal Code Ann. It is important to note that any judicial system can have flaws and imperfections. By knowing that a drug offense may carry a standard 10 year sentence if found guilty, it can persuade people who are sitting on the fence about a choice to decide to follow the law instead of break it. Most parents and educators support mandatory school uniforms. The US prison population, per capita, is one of the highest in the world. Indeterminate sentencing is a justice system structure where an offender is granted a prison sentence with a range, such as two to five years. A parole board is a panel that reviews an offender's criminal record while in prison to determine their eligibility for parole. Some people think that school uniforms can help make schools safer for kids. Kids who wear uniforms are more likely to be . Determinate sentencing also has a cost. They would effectively shift discretion from judges to prosecutors. Proponents of the death penalty say it is an important tool for preserving law and order, deters crime, and costs less than life imprisonment. In the quest to achieve justice, it is very possible to lose sight of it. For instance, in 2011, Rahim Lockridge from Michigan was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after strangling his wife. Do School Uniforms Make a Difference? 6. Alternative sentencing does not have that effect. School uniforms do not stop bullying and may increase violent attacks. While supporters say that it decreases crime and remove sympathy or bias from the litigation process, opponents argue that it unfairly targets minority groups in the US, destroying families and homes, as well as creating an institution where citizens are more likely to commit crimes in the future. The following are some of the pros of indeterminate sentencing; On the other hand, indeterminate sentencing also has its downside; There are several examples of indeterminate sentencing in the U.S justice system. It does not include the sympathy factor. 4. Out of this group, African-American teens made up 43% of those who were filed upon during the study period for the report. It creates equality among the rich and poor. There are examples of 10-year sentences being handed out for having 1g of marijuana in possession. They help eliminate personal bias. We must remember that children and adults think differently, so trying to place adult responses on youth is not always appropriate. For example, the person's criminal past and behavior in prison determine the length of prison time the inmate needs for rehabilitation. Encourage discipline and set clearly defined rules. If inmates are constantly well behaved, they are much more likely to be eligible for early release. Charging juveniles in adult court will often cause exorbitant expenses that can often worsen the poverty that a family experiences. Generally speaking, it is a judicial system in which a judge . Determinate sentencing occurs when a judge must sentence a convicted offender to a standard sentence that is dictated by the law. Before deciding whether or not to adopt mandatory sentencing laws, its essential to take a deep dive into the situation and assess its effectiveness. Tens of millions of dollars could be freed up if individualized sentencing across all crime would be instituted. This system places the lives of inmates in the hands of a few people on a panel, giving them too much power. Although the conduct is usually deemed to be violent, which makes the individual a threat to the general population, there is no way out of the system if you are a juvenile tried as an adult and then sentenced to life in prison. Uniform sentencing. When children wear a similar uniform daily, they will have a similar identity and they won't compete over who wears expensive or fashionable clothes. When children are tried in juvenile court, then the judge presiding over the case will have the final decision as to what the outcome of the proceedings will be. This is true in the justice system just as much as it is with any other state matter. She told authorities that she was afraid that she would get into trouble. It creates an element of risk for the child while they are in prison. The pros and cons of juveniles being tried as an adult are beginning to find some resolution. Most of the mandatory minimum sentencing laws in the United States involve drug possession, drug distribution, and similar criminal conduct. Wearing uniforms enhances school pride, unity, and community spirit. As it holds itself to such a mandate, approaches and directives are taken to reduce the number of people who commit crimes. How to use pros and cons in a sentence. 13. This means that he is likely to commit an act unintentionally or involuntarily while in a sober state. School uniforms do not improve attendance, academic preparedness, or exam results. 2. There are some pros and cons of determinate sentencing that may start to change your mind about this practice. It isnt always applied as it should. Installing mandatory minimum sentences can reduce issues where a personal bias comes into play. 4. A Report of the NCSL Sentencing and Corrections Work Group. Regardless of your opinion, its important to look at all the facts and consider the pros and cons of such laws before making any decisions. There may be some mental health supports available as well. It creates a lifetime of effects for the child in question. Decreasing violence and theft because of clothing and shoes. Two weeks later, she sold another $20 worth of marijuana to the same informant. "ProCon: "Should Students Have to Wear School Uniforms? The mandatory minim sentences pros and cons serve as a debate regarding the foundation of how criminal justice is applied within a society. Its also important to note that mandatory sentencing laws can help to reduce the amount of time and money spent in court, as the punishments are predetermined and do not require lengthy trials and proceedings.