For This Assignment, You Will Select One Of The Six Models ✓ Solved

For This Assignment You Will Select One Of The Six Model

For this assignment, you will select one of the six model nations in the textbook to research the differences in criminal code and legal procedures between the United States and your selected country. Imagine you are traveling abroad in your chosen country when you witness a local national committing a violent assault. The criminal is arrested and charged by the police. Upon returning to the United States, a professor in one of your criminal justice classes asks you to complete a written report about your experience and the differences in criminal code and legal procedures. Use the Internet and the Strayer Library to conduct your research.

Write a 3–5 page paper in which you: Determine the pertinent demographic, social, political, and economic factors about your chosen country. Examine the manner in which your chosen country's criminal code would likely view the crime you witnessed. Provide a rationale for the response. Choose two individual rights that the United States grants criminal suspects, such as search and seizure, right to counsel, et cetera, and analyze the country's perspective on each right. Provide support for the analysis.

Summarize the manner in which the police in your chosen country would likely treat the defendant. Provide justification for the response. Classify the fundamental similarities and differences between the police culture in your chosen country compared to the United States. Use at least four quality references.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is: Distinguish the differences in criminal code and legal procedures between the United States and another country.

Paper For Above Instructions

For this paper, we have chosen to examine the United Kingdom (UK) as the model nation for comparison with the United States (US) regarding criminal law and legal procedures. This comparative analysis delves into various factors influencing criminal justice processes, presenting a thoughtful exploration of specific rights afforded to suspects in the two countries, and gauging police treatment and cultural perspectives.

Demographic, Social, Political, and Economic Factors

The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a population of approximately 67 million. A significant percentage of the UK population resides in urban areas, particularly in cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. The UK has a rich social history characterized by a diverse multiethnic community, fueled in part by immigration. The political landscape is democratic, with a parliamentary system granting citizens various civil liberties.

Economically, the UK boasts a highly developed economy, one of the largest in the world, driven by factors such as finance, technology, and manufacturing. The presence of a strong welfare state influences social policies, including approaches to crime and justice, focusing not only on punitive measures but also on rehabilitative strategies and support services for offenders.

Criminal Code and Legal Procedures

In the UK, the criminal code is primarily encompassed by statutory laws influenced by common law principles, similar to the US system but with notable distinctions. If a violent assault were to occur, the UK categorizes this offense under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, allowing for various degrees of punishment based on the severity of the crime.

In the specific case of witnessing a violent assault, the UK justice system focuses on the protection of the victim and the provision of support through services like victim support agencies. The law prioritizes public safety and rehabilitating offenders, often utilizing community sentences alongside traditional prison time. The rationale behind this approach is to reduce recidivism and promote societal reintegration for offenders.

Individual Rights Comparison

The rights of criminal suspects in the US include constitutional protections such as the right to counsel and the prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizures. In contrast, the UK offers equivalent protections under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984. This act ensures that suspects have the right to legal advice, while searches must be conducted with an appropriate warrant or under specific legal conditions.

When examining the right to counsel, both countries recognize its significance. The US provides a more explicit emphasis on this right through the Sixth Amendment, ensuring defendants have access to legal representation. The UK follows suit, allowing legal advice to be requested by suspects, typically with legal aid available for those unable to afford counsel. Nonetheless, the nature of legal proceedings and the overall approach to legal representation may exhibit subtle differences, with the UK having more centralized legal aid systems to assist diverse populations.

Police Treatment of Defendants

The procedural handling of defendants by police in the UK aligns with principles aimed at ensuring fairness and protecting civil liberties. For example, police officers are required to inform the accused of their rights upon arrest, including the provision of legal counsel. Additionally, procedures such as the 'caution' — similar to the Miranda rights in the US — must be integrated into the investigative process. This procedural requirement under PACE ensures transparency and promotes accountability, reinforcing public trust in law enforcement.

Compared to the US, the police culture in the UK is often perceived as less confrontational. Officers receive extensive training in handling situations with an emphasis on de-escalation and community engagement, prioritizing relationships with citizens. Conversely, the US exhibits a more militarized approach in certain contexts, reflecting broader societal tensions and concerns regarding crime and public safety. Despite these differences, both countries face challenges related to police legitimacy, community relations, and race relations, underscoring the importance of ongoing reforms.

Similarities and Differences in Police Culture

While the US and UK share several foundational legal principles, their police cultures differ significantly. In the UK, neighborhood policing is a prominent strategy, fostering closer ties between police and communities. The focus lays on prevention and maintaining public order, emphasizing cooperative policing and proactive measures to manage crime rates.

Conversely, the US often grapples with challenges related to systemic issues around excessive force and a high focus on enforcement measures. Revisions of policies regarding use-of-force protocols and community policing strategies aim to address these tensions and improve relationships between law enforcement and diverse communities.

The impact of social movements, such as Black Lives Matter in the US, has also led to significant discussions regarding police accountability and reforms, with similar dialogues emerging in the UK context around issues of racial profiling and community relations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the comparison between the US and the UK reveals both similarities and distinct differences in their criminal code and police practices. Understanding these nuances fosters a comprehensive dialogue on best practices that can inform future policies and enhance the criminal justice experience for all parties involved. Both countries continue to navigate the complexities of justice, focusing on civil rights, community safety, and effective law enforcement strategies, ensuring the ideals of justice are upheld.

References

• Home Office. (2019). Offences against the person. Retrieved from [https://www.gov.uk/home-office](https://www.gov.uk/home-office)
• Police and Criminal Evidence Act. (1984). Retrieved from [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/60/contents](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/60/contents)
• Baker, C. (2020). Police and community relations: A comparative approach. Criminal Justice Review, 45(1), 15-28.
• Simpson, S. (2018). The effects of policing strategies on offending rates: A UK perspective. Journal of Criminal Justice, 58, 36-43.
• Smith, R. (2021). Legal aid and access to justice: A comparative study. Journal of Law and Society, 48(3), 350-375.
• Thompson, G. & Wilson, K. (2022). Understanding policing culture across the commonwealth. Policing & Society, 32(5), 612-630.
• Pew Research Center. (2020). The impact of socio-economic factors on crime rates. Retrieved from [https://www.pewresearch.org](https://www.pewresearch.org)
• Office for National Statistics. (2021). Crime in England and Wales. Retrieved from [https://www.ons.gov.uk](https://www.ons.gov.uk)
• Loader, I. (2020). The changing face of policing. British Journal of Criminology, 60, 268-291.
• Jones, T. (2019). Community-oriented policing: A comparative analysis. International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice, 43(2), 91-110.