Administration of Justice, Essay Example

Steven’s parents were affluent, so they enabled him to avoid his crime and leave the country after posting bail. He did not face charges for what he did and has not paid his debt to society nor the victim in the case. Although he might have led an exemplary life for the past 14 years and people do indeed change, Steven’s life is an example of someone’s past coming back to haunt them. He was the shining star and likely believed he could have what and who he wanted. A miscommunication ended violently and he should have served time, or at least been put on some probationary period and community service in order to ensure justice was served. Instead, he was able to get away with his crime for over a decade and now the time has come to face it at last.

I do not believe proper retribution for Steven’s first crime ever was handled. Why did no one attempt to find him or did he simply disappear from the map? He was living under an identity as “Paul” so it is assumed that he left his former life and has adapted to a new life and a completely new set of circumstances. No matter, what Steven did at the age of 18 was inexcusable. He might have likely gotten probation and community service if he had been able to convince the jury it was indeed a misunderstanding. The fact he struck the female and was accused of severely beating her is not good for his case. It leads us to believe his account was much different than what transpired on that night.

Nonetheless, Steven must pay for what he did fourteen years prior to today. The public will demand it and if he does not pay for his crime, it will set an example that the affluent are excused as long as they have the means to skip the country. As a matter of fact, Steven’s action of leaving the country actually hurt him more than if he had been convicted because it strongly painted the picture that he was guilty and afraid of being incarcerated for his crime.

If I were the judge in the case, I would convict Steven on the count of battery for the crime he committed at the age of eighteen. I would also have him pay restitution to the female due to the fact she is entitled this after such a lengthy time and he can afford it. I would not allow Steven to perform community service or be allowed probation. He would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, especially considering he fled the country for fourteen years and changed his identity to avoid facing his charges while a teenager.

While it is true that everyone makes errors in judgment, Steven’s parents helped him during this time and aided his escape. They should be charged as well if there is any way to do so. It would go a long way in setting an example that an affluent family does not have the power to control the legal system and everyone must face their mistakes and pay the penalties. Although Steven most likely is a changed man, he must still face his past and settle his debts to society in order to move forward.

Reference

Worrall, J. (2008). Crime Control in America: What Works? Boston: Pearson Publishing