Correctional system Essay Example for Free

Correctional system Essay Does the conservative approach or liberal approach improve the correctional system. Please explain and give an example Though conservative approach has been criticized greatly over its dominance and operation in the last two decades, it still forms the best approach for crime control and correctional consideration. Over the last two decades, the conservative zero tolerance to crime has achieved a lot by segregating the criminals and correcting them in isolation. According to the pattern theory, it is clear that once a criminal has been established, it is very hard to prevent latter crime. Notably, keeping the criminals in prisons makes it possible for the administration to mobilize resources towards their correction with ease. To add to that, it is much easier to monitor the criminals reform progress. According to the Oklahoma Board of Corrections, John Lilly Correction Centers criminals are able to refocus on their actions and therefore make lifetime decisions to change. In addition, the desire for revenge by the offended reduces greatly when the individuals who committed crime are away from the community. Justice entails holistic evaluation of the scenario and the general re-evaluation that the offender gets due to punishment from his/her actions. According to criminal analysts, the presence of an offender (like a rapist) can hamper the psychological recovery of the offended. Though this system has been highly effective amidst vast criticism, it has the following disadvantages which should be addressed to perfect it. With the criminal correction system taking place at segregated places, there are high chances of minor offenders mixing with hard criminals which can make the formers to assimilate the traits of latter. Therefore, they should be separated and greater surveillance offered to ensure compliance. To add to that, the approach requires vast resources to maintain and effect the correctional measures to the vast prisoners in the US jails. To borrow from the liberals, it would be important to ensure an outward outlook of the correctional approach as a mode of preparing the inmates to get back to the community after the correctional period (Byrne, 2005). 2: Does the restorative justice approach improve the criminal justice system. Please explain and give an example Recently, criminal justice has taken different considerations that indicate possible future changes in the overall application of the justice system. Restorative justice is a broad term which refers to institutionalization of peaceful approaches to addressing harm, problem-solving, and violations. This system has assisted improved criminal justice greatly by bringing the two parties (offender and the offended) to the same table for reconciliation. Under this system the offender seeks reparation directly or indirectly from the offended. Restorative justice assists in addressing all the underlying issues that hold the offended captive until justice is done. During the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa after the oppressive regime of apartheid, it was possible for the offended to totally bring out their anger, grief, pain, and sorrow they encountered during apartheid. As indicated by Piagets theory of personal development, what is in ones mind persists for long until such a time that the correct platform for expression is established. Restorative justice therefore gives people the correct chances to forgive one another totally. As indicated by the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation commission, it becomes much easier to develop better relationship between the offender and the offended after the process. In adversarial legal process and civil litigation processes, lawyers simplify reduce the issues between the offenders and the offended to only legally relevant considerations to protect their clients. However, restorative justice is better in that all aspects are addressed holistically and rehabilitation exclusively undertaken to enhance later coexistence and development. Restorative justice therefore assists in achieving the correct balance between the rights of the offenders and the needs of the victims. Besides, it strikes the balance between the need for rehabilitation of the offenders and the main duty to protect the public from such criminals. This system should therefore be encouraged due to its conterminously acceptable ideals at all levels (Jaimie, 2005). Q3: Does community-based correctional options address crime control? Please explain and give an example. Arguably, community based correction options assist in reducing crime in the society by ensuring that the criminals are reformed in a model that prepares them to be assimilated back to the society. Whereas other correction systems emphasis on the need to harshly treat the offenders for them to realize their mistakes and reform with time, this method is considered to be a softer option as it is based in the community. To add to that, it gives more focus to developmental skills attainment that assist offenders prepare for productive lives after their correction time is over. Oriana House is a community based correction unit that operates in Ohio and Akron. In this CBFS, felony offenders are sentenced to undergo substance abuse treatment, job training, educational services, and cognitive skills that can assist them after completing the community service. The offenders usually get time to mix with the community in various activities and educational programs. This system redirects the focus of an individual to constructive thinking as opposed to destructive format that is achieved by the conservative approach. However, it has been criticized for failing to ensure that strict measures are taken by the corrective system (Curt Anne, 2008). About 5% of the people under the system are likely to recidivate back. Reference list Byrne, J. M. (2005). Crime Control Strategies and Community Change-Reforming The Surveillance vs Treatment Debate. Lowell: University of Massachusetts. Curt, R. Anne, B. (2008). Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Research and Application. New York: Sage. Jaimie, B. (2005). ‘Restoration or Renovation: Evaluating Restorative Justice Outcomes’. 12(1) Psychiatry, Psychology and Law 12(1):185-200