Capturing Friedman As An Example Of The Crime Control Model

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The criminal justice system as a network of individual entities operates within two models of criminal justice. The crime control model is oriented towards community protection and swift punishment for crimes whereas the due process model is concerned with legal and equal rights of all citizens including suspects. Both models are reflected at different levels of the criminal justice system where for example the police acts within the crime control model and the courts within the due process model. The 2003 documentary “Capturing Friedman” by Andrew Jarecki is a prime example of the crime control model of criminal justice system that can blur the line between victim and offender. It also highlights the lack of rights for the accused especially …show more content…

His youngest son Jesse Friedman was also charged for assisting his father in the crimes. As the viewer is taken through the film, both sides of the case are simultaneously presented. Not only does the film show personal video tapes recorded by the oldest son David Friedman giving insight into the family dynamics during the case, it also provides multiple accounts from criminal justice professionals, victims and media about the case. As the criminal justice system and the offender’s position run parallel to each other, the film unveils that neither side made a convincing case. After US customs relays information on child pornography magazines addressed to Arnold Friedman to authorities, a federal sting operation was conducted leading to a stash of magazines in Arnold’s basement den. Authorities also found a list of student names with evidence of computer classes being taught in the den, which induced further investigation. Detectives then went out to do interviews with the alleged victims. The scenario in the first few scenes of the film illustrates the power of the police within the criminal justice system. The ability to “catch” Arnold committing a crime through a sting operation, search his house and seize evidence shows not only the level of power but also the crime control model exercised by the police. Since the role of crime control is to convict the criminal as swiftly as possible and to protect the public, the police naturally presumes the accused to be guilty. In Arnold’s case, the seized pornographic material was enough to make him look guilty of sexually acting out on his students. It was almost certain to law authorities that “there is more to the case” than they had assumed as Detective Frances Galasso stated. The viewer is inclined to see the flaws within the crime control