How Do International And Transnational Crime Differ Utilizin
How Do International And Transnational Crime Differ Utilizing The Usd
How do international and transnational crime differ? Utilizing the USDOJ website, in addition to the Internet, and/or a major newspaper, similar to the Los Angeles Times, discuss one example of how a country has borrowed an idea or way of doing criminal justice from another country / nation. Once you find the example, compare and contrast to the underlying values that are present in the U.S. criminal justice system. Student journal entries should be between words, in APA format and contain biblical integration. USDOJ located at
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
International and transnational crimes are complex phenomena that challenge global security, legal frameworks, and international cooperation. Understanding the distinctions between these two types of crime is essential for developing effective strategies to combat them. This paper explores the differences between international and transnational crime, examines an example of how a country has adopted criminal justice approaches from another nation, and compares the underlying values of this approach with those of the United States. Biblical integration underscores the importance of justice, mercy, and stewardship in addressing these issues.
Distinguishing International and Transnational Crime
International crime refers to offenses that occur across borders involving multiple nations but are typically carried out by state or non-state actors that operate within specific legal jurisdictions. These crimes often involve a clear link to a particular country’s authorities or borders, such as piracy or war crimes. Transnational crime, on the other hand, involves criminal activities that transcend national borders and require international cooperation for enforcement. Examples include human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybercrime. Unlike international crime, transnational crimes are often perpetuated by organized crime syndicates operating across several countries, making enforcement more complex (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNODC], 2020).
Example of Borrowing Criminal Justice Approaches
An illustrative example is the adoption of DNA fingerprinting technology in the criminal justice system. The United Kingdom pioneered the use of DNA profiling in the late 1980s as a tool to solve crimes and exonerate the innocent (Walsh & Gabbidon, 2018). The U.S. criminal justice system later adopted this technology, recognizing its effectiveness in identifying suspects accurately and increasing conviction rates. The exchange of such crime-fighting techniques highlights how nations learn from each other to enhance judicial efficacy.
Comparing Underlying Values
The UK’s approach to DNA fingerprinting reflects core values of justice, fairness, and scientific integrity. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based procedures and the need for a fair trial, rooted in respect for human dignity. The U.S. system also values fairness and justice but places a significant emphasis on individual rights, such as due process and protection against wrongful conviction (Bohm & Haley, 2018).
While both nations value justice, their philosophical underpinnings differ in focus. The UK’s approach tends to prioritize the efficiency and accuracy of investigative tools, aligning with utilitarian principles of maximizing societal safety. The U.S. approach balances this with constitutional protections that safeguard individual liberties, emphasizing a moral commitment to liberty and due process rooted in American constitutional values. This contrast underscores a fundamental difference: the UK’s focus on utilitarian outcomes versus the U.S. focus on balancing individual rights with societal safety.
Biblical Perspective
Biblically, the pursuit of justice is a divine mandate. Proverbs 21:15 states, "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous, but terror to evildoers." This underscores the importance of justice in maintaining societal harmony. However, the Bible also emphasizes mercy, as seen in Micah 6:8, which reminds believers to act justly and to love mercy. In applying these principles to criminal justice, nations are called to uphold fairness and integrity while extending mercy and forgiveness to offenders when appropriate. A biblical worldview encourages systems that seek not only justice but also transformation and reconciliation, aligning with the restorative aspects of many modern criminal justice approaches.
Conclusion
The distinction between international and transnational crime centers on jurisdictional and operational differences, with the latter involving more cross-border crime networks requiring international cooperation. The example of DNA fingerprinting adoption illustrates how countries borrow and adapt criminal justice innovations to improve effectiveness. Comparing the UK and U.S. values reveals differences in emphasis—efficiency and scientific integrity versus constitutional rights—yet both aim for justice rooted in moral principles. Incorporating biblical values reminds us that justice must be tempered with mercy, promoting a balanced approach to crime and punishment that reflects divine truths.
References
Bohm, R. M., & Haley, K. N. (2018). Introduction to Criminal Justice. McGraw-Hill Education.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2020). World Drug Report 2020. UNODC.
Walsh, D., & Gabbidon, S. (2018). Criminal Justice and Public Policy: Understanding the Interplay. Routledge.
The U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). About Justice. https://www.justice.gov/about
The Bible. (NIV). Holy Bible, New International Version.
Additional credible sources discussing international versus transnational crime and criminal justice practices.