Crime, Essay Example

Question #1

Crime rates with diverse ethnic populations have less harsh punishments than countries that are more diverse. Discuss and analyze the evidence that supports this claim.

In places with more diverse ethnic populations, there is a tendency to have minority groups, or gangs. Along with this, is gang rivalry, violent crime and illegal trafficking. This evidence can be seen in the rates of incarceration in more ethnically diverse places. Usually, these places only have incarceration as punishment. Crime rates are much higher in these places, and it is said to be due to social disorganization. There is evidence which suggests that there are direct racial and ethnic threats which produce very large imprisonment threats. However, this imprisonment is less of a punishment than in countries which are less diverse. This is because countries which are more ethnically diverse in population are usually low-income socio-economic environments, and the cost of incarceration is usually high (David, & Richard, 2003).

Question #2

Telling a condemned prisoner the exact day and time they will be executed is more humane than “surprising” the condemned on the morning of the execution.

A condemned prisoner still has his human rights, and just because he has committed a crime which consequences are that of the death penalty, does not mean he does not have his rights as a person. Part of these rights includes knowing exactly when he will be executed. This would be better for that person because then he can prepare himself emotionally, or even religiously, given the person who is being executed has religion. Also, I believe this is the time when the person can reflect on his crime, and maybe even repent quietly which he waits for his execution. Lastly, because I’m sure as someone who will be executed, they would want to know exactly when and what time the execution will take place. Knowing this might give them comfort in preparation for that date (Brown, 1980).

References

David, J., Richard, K. (2003). Political Institutions, Minorities, and Punishment: A Pooled Cross-National Analysis of Imprisonment Rates. Social Forces, 82(2); 725-755.

Brown, I. (1980). A Weekly Record of the Law and Lawyers. The Albany Law Journal. Albany: Weed, Parsons and Company.