Crime Control in America: What Works? Essay Example

It is relatively obvious that Daphne suffers from some sort of underlying mental illness and this has plagued her since long before the night of the murder. Her parents have enabled her for years and this has harmed Daphne as well as helped her feel unloved, thus adding to her personality problems even more. Apparently, Daphne began spiraling out of control well before the night in question and if her own father filed a complaint citing physical abuse, it was most likely harsher than officially reported.

Worrall (2008) explains that early intervention programs, especially those with a specific focus on juveniles and populations at risk who have not yet created a crime, have shown a moderate degree of success in the past. Daphne’s parents did enroll her in AA and currently have her on a waiting list for a substance abuse program. Regrettably, however, they have not taken further measures to stop her downward spiral and have allowed her negative lifestyle to continue. Her parents have the resources to obtain the best treatment for Daphne, but one might question why they did not do this earlier.

I am an advocate for juveniles and rehabilitation because there are so many cases in which young people fall through the cracks in the legal system and become nothing more than a statistic. What Daphne participated in, however, is something indicative of a sociopath. The fact that she allegedly taunted Chris until Michael was dead and helped to disembowel the man before disposing of his body in the water is cold-blooded and heartless. The fact she allegedly shows no signs of remorse for her actions is even more alarming. This young woman is living in a dark world and there is only going to be more darkness if measures are not taken to both punish and protect her.

I use the term ‘punish’ because she should, without question, be punished for the crime she committed. She should be tried as an adult and, if found guilty, should be sent to prison as an adult. A mental health plea may be applicable in this case; however, it would be something to discuss if she indeed was found guilty. Her parents should not have access to the terms of any punishment she would receive if convicted. I honestly believe her parents, although they may mean well, are part of the problem. Had this been handled early on in Daphne’s life, she may not be facing life in prison today.

The term ‘protect’ is used because Daphne should be protected from herself and her immediate family. She should be somehow put into protective care as part of a rehabilitation treatment to help with her undiagnosed mental problem. Proper medication and/or therapy could possibly help Daphne come to terms with issues from her past and deal with the anger and resentment she feels towards her parents and other adults. This rehabilitation could take place in the confines of a prison if Daphne was convicted of murder and I honestly feel there is a small possibility that she could be rehabilitated if she chooses to cooperate. This case is quite sad because Daphne has obviously suffered from an undiagnosed mental problem most of her life. Nonetheless, the crime she committed will have an effect on her for the rest of her foreseeable future.

Reference

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