Crime In The United States Essay

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Crime in the United States
Abstract
In this paper we will examine the current crime and criminal justice system in the United States. We view the current crime trend and evaluate what factors that may affect them. We will analyze the different models of criminal justice as well as one of the ways we categorize crime. We will also examine the role of police departments in deterring crime, coupled with how they work to prevent corruption within the department. Additionally, we will explain the impact of prosecutors and how judges sentence offenders while following the necessary rules. All of these work together to reduce crime and create a safer community where citizens live.
Crime Rates According to FBI crime data, the crime rate has consistently …show more content…

A simple process is to distinguish them between mala in se and mala prohibita. Simply put, the definition of mala in se is a universally and timelessly wrong crime. Whereas mala prohibita is illegal because the laws define them as such. Mala prohibita offenses are not universal or timeless. (Bohm & Haley, 2021) Some notable examples of mala in se crimes include murder, theft, and sexual assault. These crimes have been wrong since the beginning of humanity. On the other hand, prostitution, hunting restrictions, and speeding while driving are examples of mala prohibita. A moral code is what influences mala in se. These crimes have always been and will always be illegal because humans are born with an innate moral code. Though these crimes are universal, timeless, and considered morally wrong, some immoral acts are no longer criminal, such as adultery or not preventing someone from getting hurt. Both of these are immoral, but they are not crimes, though, at one time, adultery was a criminal offense. The decision to decriminalize morally wrong acts may come from the severity of damage done to the victim. Mala prohibita offenses have not always been considered criminal. Though reasons lie behind the creation of these laws, they are wrong only because the current laws say as much. In reality, many of these laws could not have been crimes a few hundred years ago because the technology needed to commit the crimes was not …show more content…

This person is the one who determines whether or not to charge and prosecute a case. If charges are not filed, it is likely because one of the three following criteria was not met. (1) A crime must have been committed, (2) a suspect (or suspects) must be identified, and (3) there must be enough evidence to support a guilty verdict. (Bohm & Haley, 2021) Clearly, without all three criteria, it is likely impossible to convict an offender and most likely a waste of resources for the prosecution. In this way, the prosecutor will select not to press charges against a suspect. The prosecutor does have a lot of power, but they are still required to follow the Constitution. The sixth amendment says that in criminal prosecutions, the accused have the right to a speedy trial in front of an impartial jury and in the district where the crime was committed. Defendants also have the right to an attorney. The prosecutor must follow these