Research Paper Due Week 3 And Worth 200 Points
Research Paper Due Week 3 and worth 200 points Use the Int
Research Paper Due Week 3 and worth 200 points Use the Internet or Strayer databases to research one (1) transnational crime as it applies to two (2) different countries of your own choosing. Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you: Review one (1) transnational crime. Compare and contrast the two (2) countries for their definition of the crime, crime rate, 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. Use at least three (3) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Describe the nature of globalization, and assess the aims and methods of comparative criminal justice and criminology. Explain the nature and extent of various types of transnational crime. Describe the principles of the four (4) major legal traditions and types of legal systems around the world.
Use technology and information resources to research comparative perspectives in criminal justice. Write clearly and concisely about criminal justice topics using proper writing mechanics and APA style conventions.
Paper For Above instruction
Transnational crimes, defined as criminal activities that cross national borders and involve multiple countries and jurisdictions, have become a significant concern for the global community. These crimes threaten security, economic stability, and societal well-being on an international scale. Among the myriad of transnational crimes, drug trafficking is one of the most pervasive and studied, affecting numerous nations with varying legal, social, and economic contexts. This paper will explore drug trafficking as a transnational crime and compare its characteristics, measurement tools, and legal frameworks in Colombia and Nigeria, two countries with distinct socio-economic and legal traditions.
Understanding Drug Trafficking as a Transnational Crime
Drug trafficking involves the production, transportation, and distribution of illegal drugs across borders. It is characterized by complex networks that operate globally, often involving organized crime syndicates. The crime inflicts numerous adverse effects, including violence, corruption, and health crises. Its transnational nature necessitates international cooperation for effective enforcement and policy development.
Country Profiles and Legal Traditions
Colombia is renowned for its extensive involvement in the cocaine trade, being both a major producer and transit country for cocaine destined for international markets (Ong, 2020). Its legal system is influenced by civil law traditions, inherited from the Spanish legal tradition, emphasizing codified statutes and a written legal code (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNODC], 2021). Nigeria, on the other hand, serves as both a transit and destination country for various illicit drugs, including psychotropics and heroin (Adefolalu & Oladele, 2019). Its legal system blends common law influences from its colonial past with customary law, creating a dual legal framework that affects crime regulation and enforcement (Nigerian Law Reform Commission, 2017).
The influence of these legal traditions shapes the definition, measurement, and enforcement of drug trafficking laws. Colombia’s civil law system prioritizes comprehensive statutes that define and criminalize drug-related activities, with specialized agencies like the National Police and the Attorney General’s Office responsible for enforcement (UNODC, 2021). Nigeria’s mixed legal system causes variability in law enforcement efficacy and reporting, impacting the reliability of crime statistics (Adefolalu & Oladele, 2019). Nonetheless, both countries collaborate internationally through treaties such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), aiming to harmonize legal definitions and measures.
Crime Rates and Measurement Tools
Accurate measurement of drug trafficking crime rates varies across countries due to differences in legal definitions, reporting mechanisms, and enforcement capacity. Colombia reports significant drug seizure data, arrests, and prosecution numbers, but underreporting remains a challenge due to corruption and limited resources (Ong, 2020). Nigeria’s crime data often face reliability issues owing to resource constraints, lack of standardization, and issues with underreporting (Adefolalu & Oladele, 2019). The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) international drug control reports provide comparative data, but variations in data collection methods can hinder precise cross-country analysis.
The tools used to measure drug trafficking include seizure volumes, arrest counts, and prosecutions. In Colombia, law enforcement agencies employ intelligence-led operations, surveillance technologies, and inter-agency coordination to combat drug trafficking (UNODC, 2021). Nigeria relies heavily on traditional policing and intelligence gathering, but corruption and inadequate infrastructure hinder efficacy. International cooperation and standardized reporting guidelines are essential to improve data comparability and policy responses (UNODC, 2021).
Impact of Legal Traditions and Cultural Factors
Legal traditions profoundly influence crime dynamics and measurement. Colombia’s civil law tradition provides a structured legal environment with clear statutes that facilitate enforcement and data collection. Cultural factors, including ongoing conflicts with guerrilla groups and narcotics traffickers, complicate enforcement efforts (Ong, 2020). Nigeria’s hybrid legal system, influenced by colonial law and indigenous customary practices, results in inconsistent enforcement and legal ambiguity. Cultural attitudes towards drug use and trafficking, as well as societal corruption, also impact crime reporting and legal responses (Adefolalu & Oladele, 2019).
The extent of cross-country comparability of crime statistics depends on these underlying legal and cultural influences. Variations in legal definitions, enforcement priorities, and data collection practices imply that raw crime statistics should be interpreted cautiously, acknowledging contextual differences. Harmonizing definitions through international treaties and adopting standardized measurement tools could enhance comparability, enabling policymakers to develop more effective transnational crime prevention strategies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drug trafficking exemplifies the complexities of transnational crime, intricately linked to the legal traditions and sociocultural contexts of each country. Colombia’s civil law tradition provides a structured approach that facilitates law enforcement, whereas Nigeria’s hybrid legal system presents challenges for consistent data collection and enforcement. The disparities in crime measurement tools and data reliability underscore the importance of international cooperation and standardized reporting practices. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective policymaking and the development of global strategies to combat transnational crimes systematically and equitably.
References
- Adefolalu, S., & Oladele, S. (2019). Crime and Justice in Nigeria: Legal and Socio-Cultural Perspectives. Journal of Criminology and Security Studies, 10(2), 45-67.
- Nigerian Law Reform Commission. (2017). Legal System of Nigeria. Nigeria Law Review Journal, 32(4), 120-135.
- Ong, L. (2020). Drug Trafficking in Colombia: A Comprehensive Analysis. Latin American Journal of Crime, 45(3), 78-96.
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2021). World Drug Report 2021. UNODC.
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2021). Colombia National Report on Drug Trafficking. UNODC.