Corrections

WEEK FOUR ASSIGNMENT

Chapter Four

4.1  Explain the process of the “correctional filter.” Where in the criminal justice system does this filter begin? Where does it end? What happens at each step in the filtering process and where in the criminal justice system does it occur? Who are the key decision makers in the correctional filter process?

The correctional filter is simply a term used to describe the many sentencing options that are used on offenders by members in the criminal justice system. The filter begins with the arrest and ends in various different ways. Such ways as being; dismissed charges, plead guilty, plead guilty to lesser charge, found not guilty, and plea-bargained. The arrest is the first step of the process and that begins with the police, rest of the steps described above are done in the court systems with the prosecutor as the main decision maker as to which cases will be sent to trial and which dismissed or plead out. If the case goes to trial either a jury or a judge will make the final determination of guilt.

4.2 Describe the goals of punishment from 1930 to the present. Which goal of punishment dominated corrections until the 1970s? Why did its popularity wane? Which goals of punishment have replaced it and why?

Beginning in the 1930’s most every jurisdiction was using indeterminate sentencing, which basically meant that every sentence had a minimum and maximum length. The main goal of punishment up until the 1970’s was rehabilitation. It started becoming noticed that inmates were becoming accustomed to the prison environment, authoritative figures began abusing their powers of discretion, and the justice system was being used for those seeking elections into public office. Newer goals of punishment have started to take way that began in the mid 1970’s and the main goal is determinate sentencing. Half of the states have begun using laws such as the “three strikes your out” law. These laws focus on...