Diversity Issues In Criminal Justice Chapter 9 Required Book

Diversity Issues In Criminal Justice Chapter 9required Book Mcnamar

Read Chapter 9 of McNamara, R. H., & Burns, R. (2009). Multiculturalism in the criminal justice system. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, and respond to the following critical thinking questions:

  • Would a geriatrics court be helpful in processing elderly offenders? Could it be used similarly to the juvenile justice system? Why or why not?
  • What responsibility does the government have to provide comprehensive healthcare to elderly inmates? Should correctional agencies be responsible only for routine and emergency care or for serious and chronic health issues?
  • How will the Baby Boomer generation change perceptions of the elderly? Is this change viewed positively or negatively?

Provide thoughtful, well-supported responses that incorporate key terms and concepts from the chapter, such as "Baby Boomers," "Elder Abuse," "Geriatric Court," "Operationalization," and "Recidivism Rate." Engage with your peers by building on their ideas, and avoid simple agreement. Begin your responses to classmates with phrases like "I learned from you that..." or "I appreciated how you explained...." Ensure your initial post is submitted by Tuesday, October 13th, by 11:59 pm, and responses to peers are made by Thursday at 12 pm.

Paper For Above instruction

The aging population presents unique challenges within the criminal justice system, particularly as the number of elderly inmates increases. This demographic shift necessitates innovative approaches, such as the potential implementation of geriatrics courts—specialized court proceedings tailored to address the specific needs and circumstances of older offenders. Exploring whether such courts could operate similarly to juvenile courts reveals both opportunities and limitations rooted in the operationalization of legal frameworks and offender characteristics.

Geriatrics courts would be designed to consider factors like age-related health issues, cognitive decline, and social circumstances, emphasizing rehabilitation and appropriate healthcare interventions. These courts could improve recidivism rates by addressing underlying health and social needs, ultimately reducing repeat offenses. Unlike juvenile courts, which focus on rehabilitation and developmental needs, geriatrics courts would need to accommodate complex medical conditions, chronic illnesses, and elder abuse considerations, requiring collaboration among legal, medical, and social services.

The government bears a significant responsibility to ensure that elderly inmates receive comprehensive healthcare. This obligation stems from both ethical considerations and legal mandates such as the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Adequate healthcare provision encompasses routine care, emergency interventions, and management of chronic and serious health conditions common among aging populations. Correctional agencies should be responsible for more than just routine and emergency care because neglecting chronic health issues can lead to deterioration of inmates' health, increased recidivism, and higher societal costs upon release.

The Baby Boomer generation is poised to transform societal perceptions of aging. As this large cohort ages, their attitudes towards elder care, independence, and mental health are likely to influence public discourse and policy. This shift can be viewed both positively and negatively: on one hand, increased awareness and advocacy for elder rights and healthcare can lead to improved services and diminished elder abuse; on the other hand, societal strain on healthcare resources and potential biases might reinforce negative stereotypes about aging and decline. The term "elder abuse" highlights the importance of safeguarding this vulnerable population from neglect and exploitation, which often worsens as individuals age.

In conclusion, the integration of specialized courts such as geriatrics courts, the responsibility imparted to government agencies for healthcare provision, and the societal perception shifts driven by the Baby Boomer generation all point toward a need for reform and adaptation within the criminal justice system. These initiatives and perceptions are critical for ensuring that aging offenders are treated humanely and that society's responses evolve to meet demographic realities.

References

  • Burns, R., & McNamara, R. H. (2009). Multiculturalism in the criminal justice system. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
  • National Institute of Justice. (2014). Elder Justice: Addressing elder abuse and neglect. U.S. Department of Justice.
  • Feinberg, D., & Weber, E. (2018). Age and recidivism: The impact of aging on criminal behavior. Journal of Criminal Justice, 46(2), 123-132.
  • United States Census Bureau. (2020). The aging of America: 2020 to 2060. Census Bureau Reports.
  • Hughes, T. F., & Ferrara, A. (2017). Health disparities among aging prisoners: A review of research. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 29(2), 93-108.
  • Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2013). Racism and health: Pathways and scientific evidence. American Behavioral Scientist, 57(8), 1021-1040.
  • United Nations. (2015). Elder rights and abuse prevention: Policy frameworks and recommendations. UN Publications.
  • Freeman, R. C. (2012). Preparing for an aging prison population: Challenges ahead. Corrections Today, 74(4), 36-41.
  • Samson, N. (2020). The perception of aging in society: An analysis of media and policy. Journal of Gerontology & Social Work, 63(1), 45-60.
  • Schwalbe, C. S., & Lurigio, A. J. (2014). Aging and criminal justice: Implications for policy and practice. Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health, 41(2), 124-146.

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