For This Assignment, You Will Select One Transnational Crime ✓ Solved

For this assignment, you will select one transnational crime

For this assignment, you will select one transnational crime and two countries in order to research the similarities and differences of the transnational crime between the two countries. Write a 2–3 page paper in which you: Describe the transnational crime along with an introduction to each of the countries being compared. Compare and contrast both countries' definitions of the crime, crime rates, and tools used to measure the crime. Determine each country's legal traditions and their major influences on crime definition, rate, and measurement. Examine the extent to which crime statistics compiled in different countries can adequately be compared. Provide support for the response. Provide at least three quality references.

Paper For Above Instructions

Transnational crime has become a significant global challenge, affecting nations in diverse ways and requiring coordinated international responses. For this paper, I will focus on human trafficking—a prevalent transnational crime—comparing its dynamics in the United States and Mexico. Both countries are heavily influenced by their legal traditions and socio-economic conditions, which shape their definitions of human trafficking, crime rates, and the measurement tools used.

Introduction to Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is defined by the United Nations as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by means of threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation (United Nations, 2000). This crime not only violates the rights of individuals but also enriches organized crime syndicates, making it an issue of international concern.

Country Backgrounds

The United States, a country with a complex legal framework, prioritizes human rights and has enacted various laws to combat trafficking, including the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000. In contrast, Mexico faces unique challenges related to trafficking, including widespread corruption and economic instability, impacting its ability to combat this crime effectively. The Mexican Constitution and international treaties guide its approach, although enforcement often falls short due to legal and systemic hurdles.

Definitions of Human Trafficking

Both countries recognize human trafficking, yet their definitions reflect different legal contexts. The United States outlines trafficking through federal statutes, emphasizing coercion and exploitation as core components. Conversely, Mexico focuses on recruitment and transportation, often prioritizing the experience of the victims over the methods of recruitment (U.S. Department of State, 2022; Secretaría de Gobernación, 2021). These definitional differences arise from each nation's legal tradition; the U.S. utilizes a common law system, whereas Mexico operates under civil law, leading to variances in legal interpretations.

Crime Rates

Statistics indicate a significant disparity in reported human trafficking cases between the countries. In the U.S., the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported approximately 11,500 cases in 2020, while in Mexico, the Secretariat of Welfare cited around 6,000 cases in the same year (National Human Trafficking Hotline, 2021; Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía, 2022). However, these numbers may not accurately reflect the reality of trafficking due to underreporting and differing methodologies in data collection.

Measurement Tools

Measuring human trafficking presents challenges for both countries. The U.S. employs several tools, including the Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report), which assesses countries based on their efforts to combat trafficking. Conversely, Mexico relies on government registries and local reports, which may lack standardization and transparency (U.S. Department of State, 2022; Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía, 2022). These discrepancies in measurement tools highlight the complications in comparing crime statistics across borders.

Legal Traditions and Influences on Crime

The legal tradition of a country plays a significant role in shaping definitions, rates, and methods of measuring human trafficking. In the United States, the common law approach fosters detailed legal definitions and a robust law enforcement framework, allowing for comprehensive tracking of trafficking cases. However, challenges remain in ensuring victim support and protection. In contrast, Mexico's civil law tradition leads to general regulations that may not effectively address the nuances of trafficking, compounded by corruption and lack of resources dedicated to victim assistance (Schauer & Wheaton, 2006).

Comparison of Crime Statistics

The comparison of crime statistics is complicated by differences in legal definitions and the contexts in which these crimes occur. For instance, the U.S. may categorize certain instances of trafficking as labor exploitation, while Mexico may classify these as different types of immigration violations. Thus, direct comparisons can be misleading (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2021; U.S. Department of State, 2022).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both the United States and Mexico recognize and combat human trafficking, their differences in legal traditions, definitions, and measurement tools add layers of complexity to understanding and comparing the crime. Ongoing international collaboration, consistent data collection methods, and enhanced victim support systems are crucial in addressing the transnational nature of human trafficking effectively.

References

• Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2021). Uniform Crime Reporting Program: Human Trafficking.
• Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía. (2022). Estadísticas sobre delitos de trata de personas.
• Schauer, E. J., & Wheaton, E. M. (2006). Sex Trafficking in the United States: Theory, Research, Policy, and Practice. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.
• Secretaría de Gobernación. (2021). Informe anual de actividades en materia de trata de personas.
• U.S. Department of State. (2022). Trafficking in Persons Report: United States.
• National Human Trafficking Hotline. (2021). Annual Report.
• United Nations. (2000). Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2020). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons.
• Gallagher, A. T. (2010). The International Law of Human Trafficking.
• Huzar, E. (2018). The Role of Law Enforcement in Combating Human Trafficking: A National and International Perspective.