Criminal Justice

For your Midterm Essay Exam, you need to respond to three (3) of the following four (4) questions. It is suggested you write or print out the essay questions for handy reference as you develop your responses. Include the question in your response. Essay responses should be a minimum of 1 page and a maximum of 2 pages in length, double spaced and written in 12-point Times New Roman font according to APA format.
1. Considering the various forms of sentencing, list the sentencing options the court system can impose and explain which “option” would most likely be used with offenders who commit misdemeanors and those committing a felony offense. Explain why changes were made in the sentencing process during the mid 1970’s. Discuss sentencing disparity and provide examples of what is being done to prevent sentencing disparity.
2. Early prison systems were meant to provide deterrence against reoffending by making the punishment worse than the crime. Later prison reform has led to various movements towards rehabilitation of the inmate in an effort to convince the inmate not to reoffend. Considering these two points, which is more effective in today’s society? Why? Justify your answer.
3. What can be done to stem the tide of appeals filed by convicted felons? How can we reform the appeals system without violating inmate constitutional rights? What rights do inmates have, and what rights do they not have under the present system? Justify your thoughts.