CJ101: INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE M5D1: What Does Money Have to Do With It?   It was once a common adage that “you get as much justice as you can afford

CJ101: INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE

M5D1: What Does Money Have to Do With It?

It was once a common adage that “you get as much justice as you can afford.” That is, the rich and powerful exact better legal representation than the poor and indigent. However, with overcrowded prisons, enormous caseloads, and given the current economic climate where many state and local governments are struggling with budget deficits, some states are actually presenting their judges with the approximate costs of prison, probation, and other forms of punishment so that these economic factors can be carefully weighed in their sentence practices. But, critics and prosecutors are concerned that judges may go too easy on criminals in order to meet budget goals, at the real “expense” of the larger social costs of crime, particularly as it relates to the victims.

Before responding to the discussion question:

• View the video, Budget Cuts in an Overburdened Justice System (Links to an external site.) [Video File][05 Min 28 Sec]

After reading the assignments and lectures and viewing the PowerPoint presentation and video above, you have a better understanding of the many competing issues involved in sentencing and the assurance that justice has been served. For this discussion, address the following topic:

• Discuss and debate which side of the issue you most favor regarding judges being presented with potential sentencing costs before they render a sentence.

After your initial post, read and reply to at least TWO other postings made by your classmates with substantial responses that further the discussions. Remember to read and reply to questions from your instructor.

Keep the following in mind when making your posts to the discussion area:

1. Did you complete all of the elements required in your initial discussion post?
2. Did you respond to the initial posts of at least two of your fellow students?
3. Did you acknowledge those who responded to you, including questions from your instructor?
4. Were all of your posts made on time? That is, was your initial post made before Midnight Eastern Time on Thursday, and were your follow-up posts made before Midnight Eastern Time on Sunday.

Consult the Discussion Posting Guide for information about writing your discussion posts. It is recommended that you write your post in a document first. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors.