Introduction
Exploring the intricate facets of criminal justice and societal dynamics offers valuable insights into the complexities that shape our legal systems and social interactions. This comprehensive analysis delves into various dimensions, ranging from police violence and correctional officer conduct to political controversies and academic integrity. By dissecting these aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of interactions that contribute to the fabric of our society. Through a critical examination of pertinent literature, this exploration aims to unravel the multifaceted nature of these themes, shedding light on their significance, implications, and potential avenues for positive change.
Part 1: Mapping Police Violence and Police Scorecard
(a) The Mapping Police Violence database, curated by Sinyangwe, McKesson, and Ray (n.d.), offers comprehensive data on police killings in the United States, enabling us to grasp essential information about police violence, such as demographics, locations, and circumstances surrounding these incidents, thus illuminating patterns and trends of police brutality.
(b) The Sinyangwe, McKesson, and Ray (2020) Police Scorecard serves to augment our comprehension of police brutality. By evaluating use of force policies of police departments, this scorecard offers insights into departments more prone to employing violent tactics, thereby enhancing our knowledge about law enforcement practices.
(c) Figure 5.2 presents a visualization of racial disparities in police violence across the United States (Sinyangwe, McKesson, & Ray, 2020). This graphic underscores the disproportionate impact of police violence on Black Americans compared to their White counterparts, underscoring systemic racism and advocating for necessary law enforcement reforms.
Part 2: Correctional Officers and “Khaki-Collar Crime”
(a) The prohibition of sexual relations between correctional officers and the incarcerated is essential due to the power dynamics involved. Even if an incarcerated individual consents, the officer’s authoritative position can lead to coercion, exploitation, or abuse.
(b) Burton, Cullen, Travis III, and Dunn (1999) classify sexual misconduct by correctional officers into three categories: verbal harassment, improper visual surveillance, and improper touching.
(c) “Khaki-collar crime” manifests in various contexts
Intra-occupational crimes involve officers committing crimes against their colleagues.
Extra-occupational crimes occur outside of the workplace, like instances of domestic violence.
Foreign friendly civilian crimes encompass officers victimizing civilians abroad.
Inter-occupational crimes involve officers committing crimes against other professionals, such as police officers victimizing inmates.
Part 3: Campaign Finance Laws and Financial Crimes
(a) The significance of campaign finance laws lies in their ability to ensure transparency and accountability in political campaigns, effectively preventing undue influence and corruption.
(b) Political extortion involves coercing individuals to achieve financial gain, whereas illegal gratuities entail offering value to public officials in exchange for favorable treatment.
Part 4: Former President Donald Trump and Legal Controversies
(a) Former President Trump faced housing discrimination charges in the early 1970s due to alleged racial discrimination in his rental properties.
(b) Controversies surrounding Trump University centered on allegations of fraud and deceptive practices, including misleading students about the quality of education provided.
(c) The Mueller Investigation carried significance by examining Russian interference in the 2016 election and potential obstruction of justice by Trump (Mueller, 2019). The investigation uncovered instances of Russian interference and outlined potential obstruction actions.
Part 5: Academic Integrity and Preventing Cheating
(a) Smith’s (2004) study unveiled a strong correlation between opportunity and self-control in students’ propensity to cheat on exams. The research underscored the need to address both external opportunities and internal factors contributing to cheating behavior.
(b) To curb cheating, the proposed undergraduate course could incorporate three strategies: emphasizing ethical behavior, crafting assignments with originality checks, and fostering a supportive environment encouraging collaboration while discouraging cheating.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of comprehending the multifaceted dynamics of criminal justice and societal intricacies, this analysis has ventured into realms encompassing police violence, correctional officer conduct, political controversies, and academic integrity. Each topic has unveiled distinct layers of challenges and implications, sparking discussions about reform, accountability, and ethical considerations. As we navigate the complexities of our world, it becomes evident that addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts from stakeholders, policymakers, professionals, and citizens alike. By harnessing the knowledge gained from this exploration, society can pave the way for a more just, equitable, and informed future.
References
Burton, V. S., Cullen, F. T., Travis III, L. F., & Dunn, J. D. (1999). Sexual misconduct in male prisons: A description of correctional staff and inmate perspectives. Justice Quarterly, 16(2), 331-358.
Mueller, R. S. (2019). Report on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. U.S. Department of Justice.
Sinyangwe, S., McKesson, D., & Ray, D. (n.d.). About the Database. Mapping Police Violence. https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/aboutthedata
Sinyangwe, S., McKesson, D., & Ray, D. (2020). Police Scorecard. https://policescorecard.org/
Smith, M. (2004). Understanding and preventing student cheating. Science and Engineering Ethics, 10(2), 311-322.
