Nonviolent Offenders Essay - 1495 Words

Nonviolent Offenders – Is Incarceration the Answer? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; â€Å"It’s really clear that the most effective way to turn a nonviolent person into a violent one is to send them to prison,† says Harvard University criminologist James Gilligan. The American prison system takes nonviolent offenders and makes them live side-by-side with hardened killers. The very nature of prison, no matter people view it, produces an environment that is inevitably harmful to its residents. America locks up five times more of its population than any other nation in the world. Due to prison overcrowding, prisoners are currently sleeping on floors, in tents, in converted broom closets and gymnasiums, or even in double or triple†¦show more content†¦Approximately 240,000 brutal rapes occur in our prison systems each year (Lozoff). Most of the victims are young, nonviolent male inmates, many of them teenaged first offenders. They are traumatized beyond imagination. Most of these inmates are nonviolent criminals who cannot or will not defend themselves. Unfortunately, this results in many of those nonviolent offenders turning violent by the time they leave prison. A gruesome example of the ill-effects incarceration they have on a nonviolent person. A young man was once arrested for participating in a peaceful march that turned ugly when some young thugs started hurling objects at police. In the commotion he was arrested and was jailed in lieu of paying a fine in protest for his moral beliefs. He spent a forty-eight hour period incarcerated, in this time he was savagely raped by numerous violent prisoners. This savage and inhumane attack occurred over twenty years ago, and since then he has had years of therapy, and yet he has never recovered emotionally (Lozoff). His entire life still centers on the decision of one prison superintendent to place him in a violent cellblock in order to scare him and teach him a lesson. He cannot function properly in society; he is mentally scared and still to this day suffers ill effects crippling him of a normal life. If this is a normal outcome of incarcerating nonviolent offenders then this is not the answer. Show MoreRelatedCommunity Service For Nonviolent Offenders1159 Words   |  5 Pagestricky. Many can distinguish how to live as a law-abiding citizen, although many people have suggestions on what is less cost-effective on how to rehabilitate a criminal and to free up the prison system for the violent offenders. A few think that community service for nonviolent offenders can help them understand their wrong doings, others believe that shaming is beneficial, and some believe that putting them in prison is another form of rehabilitation. Therefore, I believe that if a person wants toRead MoreSentencing For Nonviolent Drug Offenders882 Words   |  4 PagesIn fairness to Mitch Daniels, he did eventually gain some compassion for the issue and at one point endorsed alternative sentencing for nonviolent drug offenders as Indiana’s Governor. On the other hand, Bill Clinton and high level members of his administration had smoked marijuana in their youth, yet the Clinton administra tion was one of the toughest in the war on drugs -- except when cases hit close to home. Clinton found time during â€Å"Pardongate† to pardon the drug charges of his brother. AlsoRead MoreDrug Treatment Of Nonviolent Drug Offenders Essay1975 Words   |  8 Pagesas an Alternative. America s Prisons. Ed. Roman Espejo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from â€Å"Treatment, Not Prison, Best Solution for Drug Offenders. Daily Bruin 19 Oct. 2000. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 11 Oct. 2016. Many different states have begun sending nonviolent drug offenders to various kinds of drug treatment program the state offers. By doing this, it has significantly reduced the problems with overcrowding. If an individual is arrested andRead MoreNonviolent Drug Offenders During The United States885 Words   |  4 PagesAs the amount of nonviolent drug offenders increases, so does the amount of prisoners in jail. With only 5 percent of the world’s population, the United States has 25 percent of the world’s total prison population. Between 1980 and 2013, the amount of people in federal prison for drug offenses has increased from 4,749 to 100,026, and the total federal prison population as increased almost 790 percent. To manage the sharp increase in the inmate population in recent years, the bureau that manages theRead MoreThe Youth Criminal Justice Act893 Words   |  4 PagesIn Spring 2009, three offenders, all in grade eleven , set two houses is Sherwood park on fi re. The youth criminal justice Act (YCJA) provided opportunities for them to reintegrate and rehabilitate, instead of throwing them in jail. YCJA covers kids between the ages twelve to seventeen years old. It s purpose is to handle youth offenders more differently than adults because of their undeveloped minds. The YCJA was released back in 2003. By protecting the rights and providing Youth CanadiansRead MoreIs Video Game Violence the Cause of Juvenile Delinquency? Essay1683 Words   |  7 Pagesbehavior. Other research suggests that active parental involvement in childrens media usage-including discussing the inappropriateness of violent solutions to real life conflicts, reducing time spent on violent media, and generating alternative nonviolent solutions to problems-all can reduce the impact of media violence on children and youth. People are not willing to accept that violent video games are the product of todays society, and that societys ills are rooted in larger problems then aRead MoreCommon Belief Of Video Game Violence1418 Words   |  6 Pageslife. It focused more on potentially negative consequences of the long-term exposure to video game violence (Anderson Dill, 2000). The second study focused on short-term effects of video game violence. It used a pair of well-liked violent and nonviolent video games to close a path to aggression, thus allowing a cleaner test to answer a critical hypothesis that violent content can increase aggression (Anderson Dill, 2000). The study found that short-term exposure increases in aggression were expectedRead MoreVideo Games Promote Violence And Sexual Aggression2166 Words   |  9 Pagesfurther studies proved more significant relationships for short-term â€Å"increased aggressive thoughts† as well as long term effects (2001). Another recent study randomly se lected 151 adolescents and college students to participate in either a violent or nonviolent video game and then deliver certain levels of punishment to an anonymous person (no punishment was actually given). It was discovered that the players of the violent game chose harsher punishments than the others, and that prolonged exposure toRead More The Effects of Media Violence on Children Essay3371 Words   |  14 PagesViolence Exposure And Violent Behaviors In Youth.  Journal Of Community Psychology  36.8 (2008): 989-1007.  Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. Barlett, Christopher P., and Christopher Rodeheffer. Effects Of Realism On Extended Violent And Nonviolent Video Game Play On Aggressive Thoughts, Feelings, And Physiological Arousal.  Aggressive Behavior  35.3 (2009): 213-224.  Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. Ferguson, Christopher. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly: A Meta-Analytic ReviewRead MoreShould The Prison Building A Reduced Maximum Nonviolent Criminals?1733 Words   |  7 Pageslock up a reduced amount nonviolent criminals. The argument of incarcerating less nonviolent offenders originated in the 1970s, with increasing public concern about the threat of crime and many becoming skeptical about how effective rehabilitation is, Americans started focusing on some other goals of the prison system, such as retribution and public safety. They argue crime measures, such as mandatory minimum sentences and truth in sentencing laws, are keeping minor offenders in prison for too long

Importance Of Individualism In Henry David Thoreaus Walden

Imagine you live in a community where there isn’t a central government, everyone care only about themselves, and your family relies on you to make enough for them to survive. You think that it is suitable , in the beginning, because you don’t lose money due to poor trade deals, and you make your own rules on your farm that you enforce, no government involvement. Then you, and everyone else, have a dreadful year, you can’t make enough to support your family. You decide to move, along with everyone else in the community, leaving it a ghost town. Throughout Henry David Thoreau’s essay â€Å"Walden†, he praises the virtues of individualism and self-sufficiency. These virtues will jeopardize and destroy a community either by themselves or together.†¦show more content†¦The four â€Å"necessities of living† are â€Å"Food, Shelter, Clothing, and Fuel,† we need these things before we can function properly (page 114). Regardless, bein g self-sufficient is beneficial to a certain extent. To illustrate, you only grow, collect, and kill what you need to sustain you and your family. Nothing more, nothing less. Assume that everyone else in your community feels the same way. So stores only sell the tools you need to keep your farm up and running. Now imagine you have a dreadful year, your crops don’t take, animals start dying of disease, and you have nothing in storage. You go to your neighbors thinking that they can help you but they can’t. They are going through the same problem as you. Over half of the population moves that year, and soon the rest will leave as well. Thus dissipating the community. Being self-sufficient can only go so far before it leads to disaster. You need to be able to produce enough, so incase something like that happens, you will have a satisfiable supply so you don’t run out. To repeat, being self-sufficient is a superb quality to have in a community, but only in moderat ion. What would happen if the two virtues were both characteristics of the community? You have a community that both embraces the ideals of individualism and encourages the traits of self-sufficiency. Then you would have hundreds of micro-communities within a large community. EveryoneShow MoreRelatedHenry David Thoreau and the Counterculture1357 Words   |  6 Pagesliterary and philosophical movement, associated with Henry David Thoreau and the Counterculture, asserting the existence of an ideal spiritual reality that transcends the empirical and scientific and is knowable through intuition. Imagination and individuality are associated with the term. Henry David Thoreau who was a leading philosopher and poet was a leading transcendentalist. He compiled a novel titled Walden, a non-fiction depicting his stay at Walden Pond where he truly explored nature and his transcendentalRead MoreHenry David Thoreaus Sociological Experimentation in Isolation655 Words   |  3 PagesIn Henry Da vid Thoreau’s writings, he explores a different, more thoughtful way of life. Thoreau was a student of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson gave Thoreau the property on Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts; where Thoreau spent about two years living away from the society. Thoreau’s social experimentation required him to separate himself from the society, to be an individual, and to learn from his experiences. Henry David Thoreau was given a piece of property on Walden Pond by Emerson. EvenRead MoreEmerson Thoreau and Individualism in Society Essay1370 Words   |  6 PagesRalph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are still considered two of the most influential writers of their time. Ralph Waldo Emerson, who was a lecturer, essayist, and poet, Henry David Thoreau is his student, who was also a great essayist and critics. Both men extensively studied and embraced nature, and both men encouraged and practiced individualism and nonconformity. In Ralph Waldo Emersons essay Self Reliance and Henry David Thoreaus book Walden and essay Resistance to Civil GovernmentRead MoreHenry D. Thoreaus views on nature, society, and man.1526 Words   |  7 PagesThoreau Views on Nature, Society, and Man Henry David Thoreaus life began on July 12, 1817 in Concord, Massachusetts. At a young age he began to show an interest in writing. In 1833, at the age of sixteen, Thoreau was accepted to Harvard University. Although his parents could not afford the cost of tuition, his family offered to help with the funds, and in August he entered Harvard. In 1837 he graduated and applied for a teaching position at a public school in Concord. However, he refused to flogRead MoreEarly American Transcendentalism1204 Words   |  5 PagesEarly American transcendentalism has one of the greatest influences towards American society because it is not only a philosophy, but also a religion and physical progression. During the early nineteenth century, Ralph Emerson, Henry Thoreau, and other radical individuals challenged the present day theories of values, ethics, and what it means to live life to the fullest (Timko). If early American transcendentalists were living among civilians today, would present da y civilians think the earlierRead MoreCompare And Contrast Thoreau And Walden1424 Words   |  6 PagesMary Oliver Henry David Thoreau Author, Henry David Thoreau and Mary Oliver are both very passionate about nature and what it has to offer in life, as well as the symbolism behind nature and its creatures in their works of literature, in â€Å"Walden†, and â€Å"The House of Light†, Both authors discuss their views of nature and the beauty of the world that they want to make familiar to their audience. In this essay, I’ll provide my reasoning behind this statement. In â€Å"Walden†, Thoreau talks aboutRead MoreChristopher Johnson Mccandless s Transcendentalism2535 Words   |  11 Pagesnotable transcendentalists known as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, and lived life like a transcendentalist based on his behaviors and life values. With the fact that remained in history, the primary conception of transcendentalism was led by the unitarianism, the reaction to the strict Calvinism, which supported that people should live the spiritual life in terms of a continuing effort to cultivate one’s own spiritual resources. David Robinson explicated it in his article â€Å"Transcendentalism†:Read MoreThe Naturalists Of American Literature1087 Words   |  5 PagesJordan Wilson Cole Tracee Howell American Literature 4/9/2015 The Naturalists of American Literature Henry David Thoreau tests the ideas of Ralph Waldo Emerson by living at a place known as Walden Pond. Here at Walden Pond, Thoreau discovers that in a physical aspect, nature brings a deepness into our minds and into our souls. One’s imagination is uplifted, and this changes a person’s entire perspective of life. Both Thoreau and Emerson believed that nature forces people to not have to dependRead MoreHenry David Thoreau : The Transcendentalist Movement1934 Words   |  8 PagesHenry David Thoreau Henry David Thoreau was one of the greatest leaders of the Transcendentalist movement. He guided this movement through his writings, personal tragedy, beliefs and friendship with Ralph Waldo Emerson. Essentially, Transcendentalism revolves around the ideas of being one with nature and the right to protest peacefully when laws went against one’s own beliefs. Henry David Thoreau was able to lead this movement due to his education, experiences, and family influences. ThoreauRead More Emerson and Thoreau Represent American Identity1511 Words   |  7 Pagesscholar. He asserts that, American scholars must not blindly follow anything; they should first understand the logic and emerge as â€Å"Thinking Man†, a man exploring new ideas. Unlike European scholar, Emerson argues that American scholars must give importance to nature that highly influence human mind, and they must be given freedom to discover and explore new ideas. According to Emerson, true scholars should not be narrowing minded and get stuck with the books. He criticized that the prescribed books

Baroque Music and Renaissance Period Free Essays

Who were the Poor Classes? Why is it somewhat surprising that they were accomplished musicians? They were nuns in the Catholic Church. Its was a surprise because they were nuns and wasn’t expected to be great musicians. What is a chanson? A song in French, or a French song. We will write a custom essay sample on Baroque Music and Renaissance Period or any similar topic only for you Order Now What is the song â€Å"Fine Knacks for Ladies† about? What type of song is it? It’s a poetic song. Knacks for Ladies is a madrigal – a poetic song. In it the singer presents himself as a humble peddler. Through the words to the song he argues eloquently that although his wares might seem superficially precious, they’re worthless compared to the honesty and loyalty of his heart. Which of the songs was composed by Franciscan Bossiness, or Francis of Bosnia? Se maim per marginalia (If ever in wonder), was written by Franciscan Bossiness, or Francis of Bosnia. What is a lute? What is the history of the lute? When was the lute used? A plucked stringed instrument with a long neck bearing frets and a rounded body with a flat front that is shaped like a halved egg. The lute is used in a great variety of instrumental music from the Medieval to the late Baroque eras and was the most important instrument for secular music in the Renaissance. What is a harpsichord? Where were these instruments often found? A keyboard instrument with horizontal strings that run perpendicular to the keyboard in a long tapering case and are plucked by points of quill, leather, or plastic operated by depressing the keys. It is used chiefly in European classical music of the 16th to 18th centuries. What is a notation knife? Knives with musical notes on the blade Many of the articles on the include a piece of artwork from the Renaissance period. How are music and art related? Do you think that the music of the period is reflected in the art of the period? Why or why not? Music and Art are related in that their both created by Artist or Creative people through inspiration either by nature or by your surroundings or a sudden or past event. Yes, music of the renaissance period was indeed reflected on the art. Like I said you can be inspired by surroundings. That’s including, Music. Of the different music files that you’ve heard from the Renaissance period, which one do you like the best? Why? DoÃ'Ëœ event cell, belle, I Just sounds like that old world upper class renaissance music. It has the grand palace vibe I guess. How does the music of the Renaissance did offer from music today? (Think about the elements of music like tone color, rhythm, melody and so on). Today’s music has changed so much that days, I think the reason is because of how much you can make on music today. The musicians didn’t have a care of becoming famous because they were more concerned about the art. How to cite Baroque Music and Renaissance Period, Papers

Jacky Robinson Essay Summary Example For Students

Jacky Robinson Essay Summary (1919-72) Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia., on January 31,1919 to Jerry and Mallie Robinson. He grew up in Pasadena, California. In highschool and at Pasadena Junior College he showed great athletic skill in track,basketball, football, and baseball. He left school in 1941 and was drafted thefollowing year for Army service during World War II. After receiving a medicaldischarge in 1945, Jackie Robinson decided to tryout for the Boston Red Sox, butended up not making the team. He spent a year playing baseball with the KansasCity Monarchs of the Negro National League. Later he played in the 1946 seasonwith the Montreal Royals, a Dodgers farm club, and led the International Leaguein hitting with a .349 average. He stole 40 bases and scored 113 runs. When theDodgers opened their 1947 season, Robinson was playing second base. On April 10,1947, Jackie Robinson became the first black player to sign a major leaguecontract in the 20th century. During his first game, Jackie w ent hitless inthree at-bats, but flawlessly handled 11 chances at first base. In 1947, Jackiehit .297 and stole 29 bases while also playing first base for the Dodgers. Jackie led the National League in stolen bases and was named rookie of the year. The main problem he had to overcome was controlling his short temper afterhearing so many racial remarks from the crowds and other ball players, includinghis own teammates. On July 12, 1949, Jackie Robinson made his All-Star gamedebut for the National league. This was the first time that a black playerparticipated in an All-Star game. On October 6, 1949, Jackie Robinson scored theonly run in the Dodgers 1-0 win over the New York Yankees in game two of theWorld Series. This was the only game that the Dodgers won in the 1949 WorldSeries. In 1949, with a .342 average, he was named the most valuable player inthe league. He was one of the games best base runners, with a total of 197stolen bases. The Dodgers won six National League pennants during Robinsons tenplaying years. On December 13, 1956, the Brooklyn Dodgers traded Jackie Robinsonto the Dodgers rival team, the New York Giants in hopes that Robinson would beable to boost the low attendance. He was being traded for a pitcher named D ickLittlefield and $35,000 in cash. At this time, Robinson was having problems withhis legs and was thinking about quitting baseball. Less than a month later,Jackie retired from baseball in 1956 with a lifetime batting average of .311. OnJanuary 23, 1962, the Baseball Writers Association of America elected JackieRobinson to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Robinson becamethe first African-American to be elected. After retirement he became avice-president of a New York restaurant firm and the president of aland-development company. From 1964 to 1968 he served as special assistant forcivil rights to Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York. He also worked withdrug-prevention programs. Robinson starred in the motion picture The JackieRobinson Story which was made in 1950 and was the author, with Alfred Duckett,of I Never Had It Made in 1972. On October 24, 1972, Jackie Robinson died from aheart attack at the age of 53 in Stamford, Connecticut. Ten days earlier,Robinson had thrown out the first pitch at the beginning of the second game inthe 1972 World Series.