Week 1 Discussion

Week One Discussion Question

Jasmine Ramos

Jan. 12, 2014

CJA/344

University of Phoenix

Week One Discussion Question

•What is the difference between disparity and discrimination? Provide an example of ethnicity, race, or socioeconomic status that lead to disparity.

The difference between disparity and discrimination is that disparity is being unequal, as in age, rank, or level, and discrimination refers to unequal treatment to a particular person because he or she belongs to a particular group.

•What racial group is overrepresented as offenders for most violent and property crimes? What are the possible explanations for such disparity? Is this picture of the offender the result of differential offending rates or differential enforcement practices? Provide examples.

This question was one out of the two I had a hard time answering but hopefully as we discuss during the class I gain a better understanding about this matter.

•Should hate be considered a crime? What arguments support the use of sentencing-enhancement penalties for hate crimes? What arguments oppose such statutes? Are hate crime laws likely to deter offenders and reduce crime?

Hate should be considered a crime for many reasons , but the most significant reason is because nobody should be targeted for arbitrary reasons. I do not think there is anything wrong with disliking an individual, but it becomes an issue when one causes an individual harm than he or she should be punished and made cleared that such behavior will not be tolerated. Individuals should not have to live in fear of those who dislike his or her gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. A few arguments that support use of sentencing-enhancement penalties are that it can help emphasize tolerance and inter-community relations help prevent hate crimes, and hate crimes uniquely harm through terror. In contrast in a few arguments that oppose such statutes are that it may infringe on freedom of speech, and enhancements...