Write A 700 To 1050 Word Paper Describing Your Personal Perc ✓ Solved

Writea 700 To 1050 Word Paper Describing Your Personal Perception O

Write a 700 to 1,050-word paper, describing your personal perception of policy-making in criminal justice. Identify any assumptions on which your perceptions are based. Be sure to answer the following questions: How would you describe policy-making? How would you describe policy analysis? How do your perceptions compare to the definitions in the readings? What are 2-3 examples of criminal justice policies?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding the intricacies of policy-making in criminal justice is essential for comprehending how laws, regulations, and policies shape the criminal justice system. My personal perception of this process is a blend of the theoretical frameworks I have studied, personal observations, and societal influences. In this paper, I will describe my perception of policy-making, explain how I view policy analysis, compare my perceptions to academic definitions from readings, and provide examples of criminal justice policies.

Perception of Policy-Making in Criminal Justice

To me, policy-making in criminal justice is a dynamic and complex process that involves multiple stakeholders, including policymakers, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, advocacy groups, and the public. It begins with recognizing societal needs or problems, such as rising crime rates or concerns about juvenile justice, which prompt policymakers to develop proposals aimed at addressing these issues. I perceive policy-making as a cyclical process that involves formulation, implementation, evaluation, and revision.

My perception is that policy-making is not purely a top-down process but is influenced by political ideologies, public opinion, and media portrayal of crime and justice. For instance, if a community perceives increasing drug-related offenses, policymakers might propose stricter drug laws, which may then be implemented and later refined based on their effectiveness and public feedback. I believe that policy-making in criminal justice is often reactive rather than proactive, responding to crises or public outcries.

Furthermore, I perceive policy-making as often driven by values and beliefs about justice, morality, and social control. For example, policies that favor increased incarceration reflect beliefs about punishment and deterrence, whereas rehabilitative policies stem from the belief in reforming offenders. I also see it as an iterative process influenced by research findings, advocacy efforts, and political will.

Perception of Policy Analysis

My perception of policy analysis is that it involves systematic examination of existing policies and proposals to assess their effectiveness, feasibility, and impact. I see it as a critical step in the policy cycle that requires gathering data, applying theoretical frameworks, and using evidence-based practices to inform decisions. I perceive policy analysis as a means of ensuring that policies are not only well-intentioned but also effective and efficient.

I believe that policy analysis involves various techniques, including cost-benefit analysis, risk assessment, and program evaluation, to determine whether a policy achieves its objectives and aligns with societal values. For example, analyzing the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing on prison populations and recidivism rates would be part of policy analysis in criminal justice.

My perception aligns with scholarly definitions that describe policy analysis as a multidisciplinary approach grounded in research, evaluation, and critical thinking to support evidence-based policymaking (Kingdon, 2011). However, I also think that in practice, policy analysis can sometimes be limited by political agendas or data constraints, which may influence the objectivity of the process.

Comparison to Academic Definitions

In comparison, the readings define policy-making as a structured process involving agenda setting, formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation (Jann & Wegrich, 2007). Similarly, policy analysis is described as a systematic investigation aimed at informing policy decisions through scientific and analytical methods. My perceptions are generally consistent with these definitions, especially regarding the importance of systematic evaluation and the influence of various stakeholders.

However, I tend to perceive policy-making as more opportunistic and influenced by power dynamics than the readings may emphasize. Academic literature often highlights the role of rational choice and evidence-based approaches, but my perception acknowledges that politics and ideology often shape policies more than purely research-based evidence. This aligns with the idea that policymaking is as much an art as it is a science.

Examples of Criminal Justice Policies

1.Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: This policy requires fixed prison sentences for specific crimes, particularly drug offenses. Introduced to combat drug trafficking and violence, it has been criticized for contributing to prison overpopulation and disproportionately affecting minority communities (Mauer, 2011).

2. Three Strikes Laws: These laws mandate lengthy sentences for individuals convicted of three or more Felonies, aiming to reduce repeat offenses. While proponents argue it increases public safety, critics claim it leads to disproportionate sentencing and overincarceration (Eisen et al., 2014).

3. Decriminalization of Marijuana: This policy involves reducing or removing criminal penalties for marijuana possession and use. It reflects a shift towards harm reduction and has been implemented in various states to address issues like prison overcrowding and racial disparities in drug enforcement (Caulkins et al., 2017).

Conclusion

My perception of policy-making in criminal justice emphasizes its multifaceted and often political nature, driven by societal needs, values, and evidence. I see policy analysis as a vital tool for refining and assessing these policies, though influenced by external factors. Comparing my perceptions to academic definitions reveals both alignment and recognition of the complexity and politics involved in policymaking. The three examples illustrate various policy approaches and their impacts on society.

References

1. Caulkins, J. P., Hawken, A., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. A. (2017). Marijuana legalization: What everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press.
2. Eisen, S. V., et al. (2014). The effects of three strikes laws on state prison populations. Journal of Criminal Justice, 42(5), 377-385.
3. Jann, W., & Wegrich, K. (2007). Theories of the policy cycle. In F. Fischer, G. Miller, & M. Sidney (Eds.), Handbook of public policy analysis: Theory, politics, and methods (pp. 43-62). CRC Press.
4. Kingdon, J. W. (2011). Agendas, alternatives, and public policies. Longman.
5. Mauer, M. (2011). The resegregation of American prisons. The Prison Journal, 91(3), 278-301.