Intro to Corrections

Ross Gulley

CJ130 Introduction to Corrections

Professor Chloe Robinson

August 10, 2014

Society’s Response to Crime

Today’s society’s response to crime is shown in many different ways that have evolved over the years. I will be discussing how these responses have impacted sentencing practices, public policy, and the correctional operations. Also, the reasons why there are needs for punishment of crimes. I will focus on the emphasis on punishment and rehabilitation.

What are some of society’s ways of showing their response to crimes? The public has been getting their voice heard through riots, boycotting, acts of terrorism, protesting, and social networking. Society’s views of punishment for crimes have evolved over a number of years. (Siegel 2013) Society used to base the laws off of religious beliefs and conservative ways of punishment, which included the use of hanging the criminal or the use of the electric chair. Over the years the laws have been influenced to liberal or flexible ways such as proclaiming insanity, self-defense, science use as a reference (DNA, Fingerprints, and Body Fluids) and the advanced technology many agencies use. The perspective of society’s response to crime has a major impact on the criminal justice systems and laws. As we have read over the government’s action or inaction in response to the public’s issues is knowing as Public Policy. The Public Policy is generated by society’s outlook on matters of crime and punishment, in return the government sets laws and restrictions within communities. (Siegel 2013) When the people of the public complain about crimes going on in communities, Congress and other leaders will eventually listen and make changes to laws and regulations to make the community and its residents feel safe. Society may take matters into their hands if the Public Policy fails and lose trust on not believe in the law. Today’s society has fear in sex offenders within their community. So the laws have changed...