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153 Prison Essay Topics & Corrections Topics for Research Papers

Welcome to our list of prison research topics! Here, you will find a vast collection of corrections topics, research papers ideas, and issues for group discussion. In addition, we’ve included research questions about prisons related to mass incarceration and other controversial problems.

🏆 Best Essay Topics on Prison

✍ prison essay topics for college, 👍 good prison research topics & essay examples, 🎓 controversial corrections research topics, 💡 hot corrections topics for research papers, ❓ prison research questions.

  • Prisons Are Ineffective in Rehabilitating Prisoners
  • Prison Reform in the US Criminal Justice System
  • Alcatraz Prison and Its History With Criminals
  • Overcrowding in Prisons and Its Impact on Health
  • Prison Culture: Term Definition
  • The Issue of Overcrowding in the Prison System
  • The Electronic Monitoring of Offenders Released From Jail or Prison
  • The Comfort and Luxury of Prison Life The main aims of the penal system are the rehabilitation of criminals and the reform of their behavior to make them model citizens as well as the deterrence of crime in society.
  • American Prisons as Social Institutions The prison system of the U.S. gained features that distance it from the theoretical conception of a redemptive control mechanism.
  • Early Prison Release to Reduce a Prison’s Budget The primary goal of releasing nonviolent offenders before their sentences are finished is cutting down on expenses.
  • Prison Staffing and Correctional Officers’ Duties The rehabilitative philosophy in corrective facilities continually prompts new reinforced efforts to transform inmates.
  • The Stanford Prison Experiment Review The video presents an experiment held in 1971. In general, a viewer can observe that people are subjected to behavior and opinion change when affected by others.
  • The Canadian Prison System: Problems and Proposed Solutions The state of Canadian prisons has been an issue of concern for more than a century now. Additionally, prisons are run in a manner that does not promote rehabilitation.
  • Prisons as a Response to Crimes Prisons are not adequate measures for limiting long-term crime rates or rehabilitating inmates, yet other alternatives are either undeveloped or too costly to ensure public safety.
  • Rehabilitation Programs Offered in Prisons The paper, am going to try and analyze some of the rehabilitation programs which will try to deter the majority of the inmates from been convicted of many crimes they are involved in.
  • Basic Literacy and School-to-Prison Pipeline Basic literacy is undoubtedly important for students to be successful in school and beyond, but it is not the only factor in stemming the school-to-prison pipeline.
  • The Stanford Prison Experiment Analysis Abuse between guards and prisoners is an imminent factor attributed to the differential margin on duties and responsibilities.
  • The Stanford Prison Experiment’s Historical Record The Stanford Prison Experiment is a seminal investigation into the dynamics of peer pressure in human psychology.
  • The Lucifer Effect: Stanford County Prison In 1971, a group of psychologists led by Philip Zimbardo invited mentally healthy students from the USA and Canada, selected from 70 volunteers, to take part in the experiment.
  • The Prison Effect Based on Philip Zimbardo’s Book This paper explores the lessons that can be learned from Philip Zimbardo’s book “The Lucifer Effect” and highlights the experiment’s findings and their implications.
  • Ethical Decision-Making for Public Administrators at Abu Ghraib Prison The subject of prisoner mistreatment at Abu Ghraib Prison has garnered global attention and a prominent role in arguments over the Iraq War.
  • Bruce Western’s Book Homeward: Life in the Year After Prison The book by Bruce Western Homeward: Life in the Year after Prison provides different perspectives on the struggles that ex-prisoners face once released from jail.
  • Psychology: Zimbardo Prison Experiment Despite all the horrors that contradict ethics, Zimbardo’s research contributed to the formation of social psychology. It was unethical to conduct this experiment.
  • Economic Differences in the US Prison System The main research question is, “What is the significant difference in the attitude toward prisoners based on their financial situation?”
  • Transgender People in Prisons: Rights Violations There are many instances of how transgender rights are violated in jails: from misgendering from the staff and other prisoners to isolation and refusal to provide healthcare.
  • The Prison-Based Community and Intervention Efforts The prison-based community is a population that should be supported in diverse spheres such as healthcare, psychological health, social interactions, and work.
  • Prison Population by Ethnic Group and Sex Labeling theory, which says that women being in “inferior” positions will get harsher sentences, and the “evil women hypothesis” are not justified.
  • The State of Prisons in the United Kingdom and Wales Since 1993, there has been a steady increase in the prison population in the UK, hitting a record highest of 87,000 inmates in 2012.
  • Drug Abuse Demographics in Prisons Drug abuse, including alcohol, is a big problem for the people contained in prisons, both in the United States and worldwide.
  • Norway Versus US Prison and How They Differ The paper states that the discrepancies between the US and Norwegian prison systems can be influenced or determined by various factors.
  • My Prison System: Incarceration, Deterrence, Rehabilitation, and Retribution The prison system described in the paper belongs to medium-security prisons which will apply to most types of criminals.
  • The Criminal Justice System: The Prison Industrial Complex The criminal justice system is the institution which is present in every advanced country, and it is responsible for punishing individuals for their wrongdoings.
  • Penal Labor in the American Prison System The 13th Amendment allows for the abuse of the American prison system. This is because it permits the forced labor of convicted persons.
  • Mental Health Institutions in Prisons Mental institutions in prisons are essential and might be helpful to inmates, and prevention, detection, and proper mental health issues treatment should be a priority in prisons.
  • Private and Public Prisons’ Functioning The purpose of this paper is to discuss the functioning of modern private and public prisons. There is a significant need to change the approach for private prisons.
  • “Picking Battles: Correctional Officers, Rules, and Discretion in Prison”: Research Question The “Picking Battles: Correctional Officers, Rules, and Discretion in Prison” aims to define the extent to which correctional officers use discretion in their work.
  • Understanding Recidivism in America’s Prisons One of the main issues encountered by the criminal justice system remains recidivism which continues to stay topical.
  • Researching of the Reasons Prisons Exist While prisons are the most common way of punishing those who have committed a crime, the efficiency of prisons is still being questioned.
  • “Episode 66: Yard of Dreams — Ear Hustle’’: Sports in Prison “Episode 66: Yard of dreams — Ear hustle’’ establishes that prison sports are an important aspect of transforming the lives of prisoners in the correctional system.
  • The Concept of PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Rape remains among the dominant crimes in the USA; almost every minute an American becomes a victim of it. The problem is especially acute in penitentiaries.
  • Recidivism in the Criminal Justice: Prison System of America The position of people continuously returning to prisons in the United States is alarming due to their high rates.
  • Prisonization and Secure Housing Units in Prisons The main issue of SHUs is that the absence of community forces a person to experience a significant mental crisis because humans are social creatures.
  • How Education in Prisons Help Inmates Rehabilitate Criminal justice presupposes punishments for committing offenses, which include the isolation of recidivists from society.
  • Prison’s Impact on People’s Health The paper explains experts believe that the prison situation contributes to the negative effects on the health of the convicted person.
  • Mass Incarceration in American Prisons This research paper describes the definition of incarceration and focuses on the reasons for imprisonment in the United States of America.
  • Prisons and the Different Security Levels Prisons are differentiated with regard to the extent of security, including supermax, maximum, medium, and minimum levels. This paper discusses prison security levels.
  • Prisons in the United States In the present day, prisons may be regarded as the critical components of the federal criminal justice system.
  • Understanding the U.S. Prison System This study will look at the various issues surrounding the punishment and rehabilitative aspects of U.S. prisons and determine what must be done to improve the system.
  • American Criminal Justice System: Prison Reform Public safety and prison reform go hand-in-hand. Rethinking the way in which security is established within society is the first step toward the reform.
  • Private Prisons: Review In the following paper, the issues that are rife in connection with contracting out private prisons will be examined along with the pros and cons of private prisons’ functioning.
  • Women Serving Time With Their Children: The Challenge of Prison Mothers The law in America requires that mothers stay with their children as a priority. Prisons have therefore opened nurseries for children of mothers who are serving short terms.
  • Prison System Issues: Mistreatment and Abuse This research paper suggests solutions to the issue of prisoner abuse by exploring the causes of violence and discussing various types of assault in the prison system.
  • Arkansas Prison Scandals Regarding Contaminated Blood A number of scandals occurred around the infamous Cummins State Prison Farm in Arkansas in 1967-1969 and 1982-1983.
  • State Prison System v. Federal Prison System The essay sums that the main distinction between these two prison systems is based on the type of criminals it handles, which means a difference in the level of security employed.
  • Prisons in the United States Analysis The whole aspect of medical facilities in prisons is a very complex issue that needs to be evaluated and looked at critically for sustainability.
  • Sex Offenders and Their Prison Sentences Both authors do not fully support this sanction due to many reasons, including medical, social, ethical, and even legal biases, where the latter is fully ignored.
  • Security Threat Groups: The Important Elements in Prison Riots Security Threat Groups appear to be an a priori element of prison culture, inspired and cultivated by its fundamental principles of power.
  • Criminal Punishment, Inmates on Death Row, and Prison Educational Programs This paper will review the characteristics of inmates, including those facing death penalties and the benefits of educational programs for prisoners.
  • Prison System for a Democratic Society This report is designed to transform the corrections department to form a system favorable for democracy, seek to address the needs of different groups of offenders.
  • Healthcare Among the Elderly Prison Population The purpose of this article is to address the ever-increasing cost of older prisoners in correctional facilities.
  • Women’s Issues and Trends in the Prison System The government has to consider the specific needs of the female population in the prison system and work on preventing incarceration.
  • What Makes Family Learning in Prisons Effective? This paper aims to discuss the family learning issue and explain the benefits and challenges of family learning in prisons.
  • Prison System in the United States Depending on what laws are violated – federal or state – the individuals are usually placed in either a federal or state prison.
  • Overcrowding in Jails and Prisons In a case of a crime, the offender is either incarcerated, placed on probation or required to make restitution to the victim, usually in the form of monetary compensation.
  • Unethical and Ethical Issues in the Prison System of Honduras Honduras has some of the highest homicide rates in the world and prisons in Honduras are associated with high levels of violence.
  • Prison Makes Criminals Worse This paper discusses if prisons are effective in making criminals better for society or do they make them worse.
  • Prison Reform in the US Up until this day, the detention facilities remain the restricting measure common for each State. The U.S. remains one of the most imprisoning countries.
  • Whether Socrates Should Have Disobeyed the Terms of His Conviction and Escaped Prison? Socrates wanted to change manners and customs, he denounced the evil, deception, undeserved privileges, and thereby he aroused hatred among contemporaries and must pay for it.
  • The Role of Culture in the School-to-Prison Pipeline The school-to-prison pipeline is based on many social factors and cannot be recognized as only an outcome of harsh disciplinary policies.
  • Psychological and Sociological Aspects of the School-to-Prison Pipeline The tendency of sending children to prisons is examined from the psychological and sociological point of view with the use of two articles regarding the topic.
  • School-to-Prison Pipeline: Roots of the Problem The term “school-to-prison pipeline” refers to the tendency of children and young adults to be put in prison because of harsh disciplinary policies within schools.
  • US Prisons Review and Recidivism Prevention This research paper will focus on prison life in American prisons and the strategies to decrease recidivism once the inmates are released from prison.
  • Discrimination in Prison Problem The problem of discrimination requires a great work of social workers, especially in such establishments like prisons.
  • Administrative Segregation in California Prisons In California prisons, administrative segregation is applied to control safety as well as prisoners who are disruptive within the jurisdiction.
  • Meditation in American Prisons from 1981 to 2004 Staggering statistics reveal that the United States has the highest rate of imprisonment of any country in the world, with the cost of imprisonment of this many people is now at twenty-seven billion dollars.
  • How ”Prison Life” Affects Inmates Lifes As statistics indicate, 98% of those released from American prisons, after having served their sentences, do not consider themselves being “corrected”.
  • Impact of the Stanford Prison Experiment Have on Psychology This essay will begin with a brief description of Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment then it will move to explore two main issues that arose from the said experiment.
  • Use of Contingent Employees at the Federal Bureau of Prisons Contingent employment is a staffing strategy that the Federal Bureau of Prisons can use to address its staffing needs as well as achieve its budgetary target.
  • Privatization of Prisons in the US, Australia and UK The phenomenon of modern prison privatization emerged in the United States in the mid-1980s and spread to Australia and the United Kingdom from there.
  • Death Penalty from a Prison Officer’s Perspective The death penalty can be considered as an ancient form of punishment in relation to the type of crime that had been committed.
  • Prison Reform: Rethinking and Improving The topic of prison reform has been highly debated as the American Criminal Justice System has failed to address the practical and social challenges.
  • Recidivism in American Prisons At present, recidivism is a severe problem for the United States. Many prisoners are released from jails but do not change their criminal behavior due to a few reasons.
  • The Grizzly Conditions Prisoners Endure in Private Prisons The present paper will explore the issue of these ‘grizzly’ conditions in public prisons, arguing that private prisons need to be strictly regulated in order to prevent harm to inmates.
  • Keeping Minors and Adult Inmates Separate to Address the Problem of Violence in Prisons Managing aggressive behaviors in prison and preventing the instances of violence is a critical issue that warrants a serious discussion.
  • Evaluation of the Stanford Prison Experiment’ Role The Stanford Prison Experiment is a study that was conducted on August 20, 1971 by a group of researchers headed by the psychology professor Philip Zimbardo.
  • Women in Prison in the United States: Article and Book Summary A personal account of a woman prisoner known as Julie demonstrates that sexual predation/abuse is a common occurrence in most U.S. prisons.
  • Prison Life in Nineteenth-Century Massachusetts In the article Larry Goldsmith has attempted to provide a detailed history of prison life and prison system during the 19th century.
  • American Prison Systems and Areas of Improvement The current operation of the prison system in America can no longer be deemed effective, in the correctional sense of this word.
  • Prison Crowding in the US Most prisons in the United States and other parts of the world are overcrowded. They hold more prisoners that the initial capacity they were designed to accommodate.
  • School-to-Prison Pipeline in Political Aspect This paper investigates the school-to-prison pipeline from the political point of view using the two articles concerning the topic.
  • School-to-Prison Pipeline in American Justice This paper studies the problem by reviewing two articles regarding the school-to-prison pipeline and its aspects related to justice systems.
  • The Stanford Prison Experiment The Stanford prison experiment is an example of how outside social situations influence changes in thought and behavior among humans.
  • Prison Population and Healthcare Models in the USA This paper focuses on the prison population with a view to apply the Vulnerable Population Conceptual Model, and summarizes US healthcare models.
  • Prisoners’ Rights and Prison System Reform Criminal justice laws are antiquated and no longer serve their purposes. Instead, they cause harms to society, Americans and cost taxpayers billions of dollars.
  • Contracting Out Private Prisons The issue of contracting the private prisons for accommodating the inmates has been challenged by various law suits over the quality of service that this companies offer to the inmates.
  • Drugs and Prison Overcrowding There are a number of significant sign of the impact that the “war on drugs” has had on the communities in the United States.
  • Prison Dog Training Program by Breakthrough Buddies
  • Prison Abuse and Its Effect On Society
  • The Truth About the Cruelty of Privatized Prison Health Care
  • Prison Incarceration and Its Effects On The United States
  • The United States Crime Problem and Our Prison System
  • Prison Overcrowding and Its Effects On Living Conditions
  • General Information about Prison and Capital Punishment Impact
  • Problems With The American Prison System
  • Prison and County Correctional Faculties Overcrowding
  • People Who Commit Murder Should Be A Prison For An Extended
  • African American Men and The United States Prison System
  • Prison Gangs and the Community Responsibility System
  • Prison Overcrowding and Its Effects On The United States
  • Prison Should Not Receive Free College Education
  • Pregnant Behind Bars and The United States Prison System
  • Prison Life and Strategies to Decrease Recidivism
  • Penitentiary Ideal and Models Of American Prison
  • The Various Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs in Prison
  • Prison and Mandatory Minimum Sentences
  • Prisoner Visit and Rape Issue In Thai Prison
  • Private Prisons Are Far Worse Than Any Maximum Security State Prison
  • Prison Gangs and Their Effect on Prison Populations
  • Overview of Prison Overcrowding and Staff Violence
  • Classification and Prison Security Levels
  • Prison and Positive Effects Rehabilitation Assignment
  • Can Prison Deter Crime?
  • What Are the Two Theories Regarding How Inmate Culture Becomes a Part of Prison Life?
  • What Prison Is Mentioned in the Movie “Red Notice”?
  • What’s the Worst Prison in Tennessee?
  • What Causes Students to Enter the School of Prison Pipeline?
  • How Can the Prison System Rehabilitate Prisoners So That They Will Enter the Society as Equals?
  • Should Prison and Jail Be the Primary Service Provider?
  • How Can Illegal Drugs Be Prevented From Entering Prison?
  • How Does the Prison System Treat Trans Inmates?
  • What Is the Deadliest Prison in America?
  • Should Prison and Death Be an Easy Decision for a Court?
  • Why Is It Called Black Dolphin Prison?
  • Does Prison Strain Lead to Prison Misbehavior?
  • Why Is the American Prison System Failing?
  • What Country Has the Best Prison System?
  • Does Prison Work for Offenders?
  • Should Prison for Juveniles Be a Crime?
  • What Is the Most Infamous Prison in America?
  • What Is the World’s Most Secure Prison?
  • What Do Russian Prison Tattoos Mean?
  • What Causes Convicted Felons to Commit Another Crime After Release From Prison?
  • What Are the Implications of Prison Overcrowding and Are More Prisons the Answer?
  • Can Private Prisons Save Tax Dollars?
  • Is Incarceration the Answer to Crime in Prison?
  • What Are Prison Conditions Like in the US?
  • Who Escaped From Brushy Mountain Prison?
  • Why Does the Public Love Television Show, Prison Break?
  • What Is the Scariest Prison in the World?
  • When Did Brushy Mountain Prison Close?
  • Which State Has the Most Overcrowded Prison?

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StudyCorgi. (2021, December 21). 153 Prison Essay Topics & Corrections Topics for Research Papers. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/prison-essay-topics/

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StudyCorgi . "153 Prison Essay Topics & Corrections Topics for Research Papers." December 21, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/prison-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "153 Prison Essay Topics & Corrections Topics for Research Papers." December 21, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/prison-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Prison were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 24, 2024 .

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104 Criminal Justice Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Criminal justice is a broad and complex field that encompasses various aspects of law enforcement, corrections, and the judicial system. If you are studying criminal justice or planning to pursue a career in this field, you will likely be required to write essays on various topics related to criminal justice. To help you get started, here are 104 criminal justice essay topic ideas and examples:

  • The evolution of criminal justice systems over the years.
  • The role of technology in modern law enforcement.
  • The impact of media on public perception of criminal justice.
  • The relationship between poverty and crime rates.
  • The effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime.
  • The ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in criminal justice.
  • The use of body cameras by police officers and its impact on accountability.
  • The role of forensic science in solving crimes.
  • The challenges of investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes.
  • The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing on the criminal justice system.
  • The causes and consequences of wrongful convictions.
  • The role of rehabilitation in the criminal justice system.
  • The effectiveness of drug courts in reducing recidivism.
  • The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior.
  • The ethical considerations of capital punishment.
  • The impact of racial profiling on minority communities.
  • The role of restorative justice in repairing harm caused by crime.
  • The challenges of addressing cybercrime in the digital age.
  • The impact of the war on drugs on criminal justice policies.
  • The role of victim services in the criminal justice system.
  • The effectiveness of probation and parole in reducing recidivism.
  • The relationship between poverty and overrepresentation in the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of the criminal justice system on marginalized communities.
  • The role of criminal profiling in solving serial crimes.
  • The challenges of addressing domestic violence within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of the "war on terror" on civil liberties.
  • The role of eyewitness testimony in criminal trials.
  • The effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution methods in reducing court congestion.
  • The relationship between drug addiction and criminal behavior.
  • The impact of mandatory reporting laws on child abuse cases.
  • The role of private prisons in the criminal justice system.
  • The challenges of addressing human trafficking within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of social media on criminal investigations.
  • The role of forensic psychology in criminal profiling.
  • The effectiveness of anti-gang initiatives in reducing gang-related crimes.
  • The relationship between gun control laws and crime rates.
  • The impact of the "three strikes" law on recidivism rates.
  • The role of community-based corrections programs in reducing incarceration rates.
  • The challenges of addressing police misconduct within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of DNA evidence on criminal investigations and convictions.
  • The relationship between immigration policies and crime rates.
  • The effectiveness of sex offender registration laws in protecting communities.
  • The role of social programs in preventing juvenile delinquency.
  • The challenges of addressing hate crimes within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of surveillance technologies on privacy rights.
  • The role of criminal justice policies in addressing the opioid crisis.
  • The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals.
  • The relationship between mental health treatment and recidivism rates.
  • The impact of mandatory sentencing for drug offenses on minority communities.
  • The role of community-based organizations in reducing gang violence.
  • The challenges of addressing police brutality within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of globalization on transnational crimes.
  • The role of forensic anthropology in identifying human remains.
  • The effectiveness of diversion programs for first-time offenders.
  • The relationship between poverty and juvenile delinquency.
  • The impact of the Fourth Amendment on law enforcement practices.
  • The role of victim impact statements in sentencing decisions.
  • The challenges of addressing elder abuse within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of technology on the privacy rights of individuals.
  • The role of criminal justice policies in addressing human rights violations.
  • The effectiveness of drug education programs in preventing substance abuse.
  • The relationship between mental health courts and recidivism rates.
  • The impact of the "school-to-prison pipeline" on marginalized communities.
  • The role of forensic entomology in estimating time of death.
  • The challenges of addressing child exploitation within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients on poverty rates.
  • The role of community supervision in reducing recidivism.
  • The relationship between police presence and crime rates.
  • The effectiveness of victim-offender mediation in addressing the harm caused by crime.
  • The impact of the Fifth Amendment on interrogation practices.
  • The role of criminal justice policies in addressing human trafficking.
  • The challenges of addressing cyberbullying within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of surveillance cameras on crime prevention.
  • The role of forensic linguistics in analyzing written evidence.
  • The effectiveness of gun buyback programs in reducing gun violence.
  • The relationship between mental health treatment and criminal behavior.
  • The impact of mandatory arrest policies on domestic violence cases.
  • The role of criminal justice policies in addressing environmental crimes.
  • The challenges of addressing police corruption within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of eyewitness misidentification on wrongful convictions.
  • The relationship between substance abuse and child neglect.
  • The effectiveness of reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
  • The role of criminal justice policies in addressing hate crimes.
  • The impact of predictive policing on law enforcement practices.
  • The challenges of addressing human rights violations within the criminal justice system.
  • The role of forensic odontology in identifying human remains.
  • The effectiveness of community-based drug treatment programs.
  • The relationship between poverty and gang involvement.
  • The impact of the exclusionary rule on the criminal justice system.
  • The role of criminal justice policies in addressing environmental justice.
  • The challenges of addressing cyberstalking within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of community surveillance programs on crime prevention.
  • The role of forensic accounting in investigating financial crimes.
  • The effectiveness of gun control policies in reducing gun-related crimes.
  • The relationship between substance abuse treatment and recidivism rates.
  • The impact of mandatory reporting laws on elder abuse cases.
  • The role of criminal justice policies in addressing animal cruelty.
  • The challenges of addressing corruption within the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of false confessions on wrongful convictions.
  • The relationship between substance abuse and intimate partner violence.
  • The effectiveness of diversion programs for mentally ill offenders.
  • The role of criminal justice policies in addressing cybercrime.
  • The impact of community-based restorative justice programs on crime reduction.
  • The challenges of addressing international crimes within the criminal justice system.

These essay topics provide a starting point for your research and analysis in the field of criminal justice. Remember to choose a topic that interests you and aligns with your academic goals and career aspirations. Good luck with your essays!

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  • 155 Criminal Justice Essay Topics

Courses related to the study of criminal justice usually require students to complete an essay at some point. If you have been asked to write a criminal justice essay, there are several things that you will need to keep in mind to ensure that your essay ticks all of the right boxes.

This article will take you through some essential tips on writing a criminal justice essay and provide 155 criminal justice essay topics to get students’ creative juices flowing.

What Is Criminal Justice?

Any discussion of how to write a criminal justice essay must begin with a clear understanding of what the term ‘criminal justice’ actually refers to. In short, criminal justice can be defined as the system responsible for dealing with crime. This system includes everything from law enforcement and the courts to prisons and probation services.

When writing a criminal justice essay, students will usually be asked to focus on one particular area of the criminal justice system. For example, they may be asked to write about the police, the courts, or prisons. Be sure that your subject matter can directly be linked back to the criminal justice system in order to make the most impact on the reader.

Types of Criminal Justice Essays

There are many types of criminal justice essays, and each style will have different requirements in terms of content and structure. Here are some of the most popular types of criminal justice essays that students may be asked to write:

Criminal Justice Research Essays

Research essays will require students to conduct extensive research on a particular topic within the criminal justice system. Students will need to collect evidence from multiple reliable sources and use this evidence to support their argument.

Criminal Justice Argumentative Essays

An argumentative essay on criminal justice will ask students to take a particular stance on an issue within the criminal justice system and then defend their position using evidence. These types of essays usually require students to have a strong understanding of both sides of the argument before taking a stance.

Criminal Justice Compare and Contrast Essays

A compare and contrast essay will ask students to consider two or more topics within the criminal justice system and identify their similarities and differences. Compare and contrast essays often require students to have a strong understanding of both topics in order to make effective comparisons.

Criminal Justice Cause and Effect Essays

A cause and effect essay will look at why something happens within the criminal justice system and its effects on society or an individual. These types of essays often require students to carry out extensive research in order to identify the causes and consequences of a particular issue.

Criminal Justice Problem-Solution Essays

A problem-solution essay will ask students to identify a problem within the criminal justice system and put forward a solution for this problem. These types of essays often require students to have a strong understanding of both the problem and the potential solutions before they can offer a solution.

Criminal Justice Critical Analysis Essays

Students will be asked to conduct a critical analysis of a criminal justice system issue in a critical analysis essay. These essays often require students to have a strong understanding of the issues at hand in order to offer a well-rounded analysis.

No matter what type of criminal justice essay you are asked to write, be sure to carefully read the instructions to determine what is required of you. Once you understand the task at hand, you can begin planning and writing your essay.

General Tips for Writing a Criminal Justice Essay

When writing a criminal justice essay, there are a few general tips that you can follow to make sure that your essay is of the highest quality.

Before you start writing your essay, it is essential to take some time to plan out what you are going to say. This will help to ensure that your writing flows smoothly and that all of the critical points are covered.

If your essay requires you to carry out research, be sure to do so thoroughly. Collect evidence from several sources and make sure that this evidence is reliable. Also, make sure to cite all of your sources in the appropriate MLA, Chicago, or APA style.

Your essay should follow a logical path from beginning to end. Use headings and subheadings to help break up your writing and make it easy to read.

Proofreading

Once you have finished writing your essay, be sure to proofread it carefully in order to catch any mistakes. It is also good to have someone else read over your essay to give you feedback.

Make sure that you follow these tips when writing your criminal justice essay to give yourself the best chance of success.

With the guide above detailing the possible types of criminal justice essays you may be asked to write and some general tips for writing a criminal justice essay, you may now be wondering what topics you could write about. To help get you started, we have provided a list of 155 criminal justice essay topics below:

Criminal Justice Research Essay Topics

  • The impact of social media on the criminal justice system
  • The use of DNA evidence in the criminal justice system
  • The role of technology in the criminal justice system
  • Racial bias in the criminal justice system
  • The death penalty in the United States
  • The juvenile justice system
  • Police brutality in the United States
  • The war on drugs in the United States
  • The prison system in the United States
  • Rehabilitation vs. punishment in the criminal justice system

Criminal Justice Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Is the death penalty an effective form of punishment?
  • Should juveniles be tried as adults?
  • Is the prison system in the United States effective?
  • Should rehabilitation be the main aim of the criminal justice system?
  • Is social media a help or a hindrance to the criminal justice system?
  • Should DNA evidence be used in all criminal cases?
  • Should police officers be armed?
  • Should the age of adulthood be lowered to 16 in criminal cases?
  • Should there be a national registry for sex offenders?
  • Is stop and search an effective police tactic?

Criminal Justice Problem Solution Essay Topics

  • How can police brutality be reduced in the United States?
  • How can the war on drugs be won?
  • How can the juvenile justice system be improved?
  • How can rehabilitation be made more effective in the criminal justice system?
  • How can the use of DNA evidence be improved in the criminal justice system?
  • How can social media be used to help solve crimes?
  • How can racism be eliminated from the criminal justice system?
  • How can the prison system be improved in the United States?
  • How can the death penalty be made more effective?
  • What can be done to reduce crime rates in the United States?

Criminal Justice Opinion Essay Topics

  • Do you believe that the death penalty is an effective form of punishment?
  • Do you believe that juveniles should be tried as adults?
  • Do you believe that the prison system in the United States is effective?
  • Are police officers more or less effective when they are armed?
  • How do you feel about stop and search police tactics?

Criminal Justice Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

  • The criminal justice system in the United States vs. the criminal justice system in the UK
  • The death penalty vs. life in prison
  • DNA evidence vs. eyewitness testimony
  • Police brutality in the United States vs. police brutality in other countries
  • The juvenile justice system in the United States vs. the juvenile justice system in France
  • The prison system in the United States vs. the prison system in other countries
  • Rehabilitation vs. punishment

Criminal Justice Definition Essay Topics

  • The term “social justice”
  • The term “police brutality”
  • The term “white-collar crime”
  • The term “organized crime”
  • The term “street crime”
  • The term “cybercrime”
  • The term “capital punishment”
  • The term “juvenile delinquency”
  • The term “recidivism”
  • The term “restorative justice”

Criminal Justice Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • The cause of police brutality in the United States
  • The effects of the war on drugs in the United States
  • The cause of juvenile delinquency
  • The effects of the prison system in the United States
  • The cause of recidivism
  • The effects of rehabilitation in the criminal justice system
  • The cause of white-collar crime
  • The effects of capital punishment
  • The cause of cybercrime
  • The effects of social media on the criminal justice system

Criminal Justice Essay Topics About Famous Cases

  • The O.J. Simpson case
  • The Trayvon Martin case
  • The Rodney King case
  • The Michael Brown case
  • The Eric Garner case
  • The Ferguson riots
  • The Baltimore riots
  • The Charleston church shooting
  • The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
  • The Orlando nightclub shooting
  • The Las Vegas mass shooting
  • The Parkland school shooting
  • The Waco siege
  • The Ruby Ridge standoff
  • The Oklahoma City bombing

Criminal Justice Essay Topics About Legislation

  • The USA PATRIOT Act
  • The Patriot Act of 2001
  • The Homeland Security Act of 2002
  • The USA FREEDOM Act
  • The Voting Rights Act of 1965
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • The Fair Housing Act of 1968
  • The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965
  • The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
  • The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996
  • The Border Patrol Act of 1925
  • The USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005
  • The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act of 2006

Criminal Justice Essays About Social Issues

  • The war on drugs
  • Police brutality
  • Racial profiling
  • Mass incarceration
  • The school-to-prison pipeline
  • Private prisons
  • Capital punishment
  • Juvenile justice
  • Forensic science
  • Gun control

Criminal Justice Essay Topics About Reform

  • Prison reform
  • Sentencing reform
  • Drug policy reform
  • Police reform
  • Judicial reform
  • Immigration reform
  • Electoral reform
  • Gun control reform
  • Innovations in criminal justice system reform in the United States

Criminal Justice Narrative Essay Topics

  • A day in the life of a police officer
  • A day in the life of a prison guard
  • A day in the life of a probation officer
  • A day in the life of a parole officer
  • A day in the life of a court clerk
  • A day in the life of a prosecutor
  • A day in the life of a death row inmate
  • A day in the life of a public defender
  • A day in the life of a private attorney
  • A day in the life of a jury member
  • A day in the life of a bailiff
  • A day in the life of a judge
  • A day in the life of a victims’ advocate

Criminal Justice Essay Topics About Ethics

  • The ethics of the death penalty
  • The ethics of solitary confinement
  • The ethics of plea bargaining
  • The ethics of mandatory minimum sentencing
  • The ethics of asset forfeiture
  • The ethics of police brutality
  • The ethics of stop and frisk
  • The ethics of racial profiling
  • The ethics of the war on drugs
  • The ethics of mass incarceration
  • The ethics of private prisons
  • The ethics of juvenile justice
  • The ethics of the school-to-prison pipeline
  • The ethics of forensic science

Criminal Justice Essay Topics About Career Options

  • A career as a police officer
  • A career as a detective
  • A career as a crime scene investigator
  • A career as a forensic scientist
  • A career as a criminal defense attorney
  • A career as a prosecutor
  • A career as a judge
  • A career as a paralegal
  • A career as a court reporter
  • A career as a bailiff
  • A career in corrections
  • A career in probation and parole
  • A career in victim advocacy
  • A career in law enforcement administration
  • A career in private security
  • A career in intelligence and counterterrorism

Every topic in this list offers students the chance to explore an issue of importance to the criminal justice system and share their own insights and perspectives on that issue. Remember that writing a criminal justice essay can be quite challenging, especially if you have never written one before. However, with a little bit of planning and some help from online resources, it is possible to write a great criminal justice essay that will earn you a good grade.

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Prison Journalism Project

Prison Journalism Project

Independent Journalism by the Incarcerated

  • Writing Prompts

What stories might a correspondent from inside prison write? Below are suggestions. We will prioritize the publication of timely dispatches, articles and reported essays. Breaking news such as reports about COVID-19 outbreaks should include the label NEWS in the Special Projects line in the header. 

If you choose any of these, please include the label “ATTN: PJP TOPIC” in ALL CAPS above the headline and mention the topic name. Tip : Don’t answer all the questions. Focus your piece on one or two of them. 

PANDEMIC: How have fears about the omicron variant changed the situation? Is your prison experiencing another COVID-19 outbreak? How is the pandemic affecting your family or your relationship with your loved one? If you have lost someone, write a eulogy. What is your suggestion for how prisons should manage the next pandemic based on your experience?

PRISON JOBS: Tell us about your job. What are the best jobs? What are the worst jobs? What are the highest-paying and lowest-paying jobs in your institution? Tell us about a unique job that would surprise people outside. What is the difference in lifestyle between someone who makes 17 cents an hour and someone who makes $1 an hour? Are there socio-economic classes in prison? Beyond jobs, tell us about how you make money and how you spend it. By connecting the reports by various writers, we hope to see a picture of whether there are differences between regions, institutions, men/women’s prisons, federal/state prisons, etc.

NATURAL DISASTERS: Natural disasters — hurricanes, blizzards, wildfires, earthquakes — are intense experiences for humans everywhere. But that intensity can be multiplied many times over for incarcerated people. Over the years, we’ve heard stories about prisoners sitting for days up to their chests in water after Hurricane Katrina; about guards fleeing during lockdowns after earthquakes; about heat failures during blizzards. With climate change heating up the world, these events are happening more and more often. Have you experienced a natural disaster in prison? Tell us about your memories of an earthquake, blizzard, wildfire, hurricane, tornado, etc. Write about how prisons can do better.

WOMEN IN PRISON: The U.S. holds more than 230,000 women in jails and prisons, which is over 30% of the world’s incarcerated women. Tell us about the challenges of being imprisoned in a system designed for men. How are you getting access to proper medical care, including ob/gyn services, breast exams and birth control. Are you able to get access to ethnic hair supplies, makeup, and skincare? Do you have access to educational opportunities and programs? Tell us about your prison family. 

BOOK/TV SHOW/MOVIE REVIEWS: Review any book, TV show or movie that depicts prison life. Tell us why you liked or didn’t like a book, show or movie. Be specific. How did it get the prison experience wrong? If they got it right, how was it different than most others you see? 

PRISON RECIPES: Much of prison life revolves around ways to avoid eating prison food. Send a recipe for meals, snacks and desserts that you make inside prison and tell us a story about them. This might be about how you came to create this recipe or memories of the dish outside that you were trying to replicate. Or it could be about an occasion that you had this dish. If you are an artist, include an illustration of the dish or a scene showing an occasion where it was served.

COMMUNITY VOICES: A new section of our site will be devoted to showcasing the various voices inside your community – Black, Asian, White, indigenous, LGBTQ+, female, military vets, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Death Row, LWOP, former gang, etc. (the list is endless). What do you want readers to know about what it’s like to be in that community inside prison? Share an aspect of that community, including how you celebrate your religion, keep faith or how you try to support each other. Tell us about a change that you’d like to see happen in the way the criminal justice system treats your community.

Q&A: Write a question and answer style interview story with someone you want to highlight because of a leadership role they play, because they have had an experience you want to draw attention to or because they are representative of a larger group. Interview the person first, and then provide a 4-6 paragraph introduction of the person with an explanation of why you are writing about this person. Follow with a list of no more than 10 questions and condensed answers. Even though you are submitting this in writing, it should be an in-person interview, not a written questionnaire . 

WORD ON THE STREET: Pick something in the news that people inside might have a unique perspective on (e.g. Derek Chauvin’s conviction or a new criminal justice policy, political candidate, or law that is being considered in the U.S. or in your state). Interview 5-10 people around you, and write an article about their reactions and thoughts. Include the majority and minority points of view and direct quotes. If the interview subjects do not want to provide their names, include a description of them (e.g. your cellie in his 18th year of prison). Include race if it’s relevant.

HOLIDAYS AND AWARENESS MONTHS: Shed light on a particular aspect of prison life or conditions timed with Black History Month (Feb), Women’s History Month (March), Mental Health Awareness Month (May), LGBT Pride Month (June) or another awareness month or holiday (Valentine’s, Eid, Easter, Fourth of July, etc.). Write about how you celebrate inside or what it’s like to be away from your family during this time. 

PJP SPECIAL PROJECT: WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE YOU? This is an anonymous project. One of our goals is to de-stigmatize the incarceration experience by introducing readers who are untouched by incarceration to perspectives and stories from behind walls. We want everyone to see you and connect with you as fellow humans. However, we also know that it’s difficult to be open about your past, present and future if you have to put your name on it. 

In this project, we invite you to take ONE piece of blank paper and anonymously answer the question – WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE YOU? You can answer the question however you want as long as it’s true. It can be a journal entry, letter, poem, song, art. Put your state location at the bottom, and your name on the back . We hope you’ll also invite others around you to submit something. Or collect them and send them to us on their behalf. This is a special project that should be sent to PJP WILT Project, 3501 Southport Ave., #204, Chicago, IL 60657 . 

Other Prompts

Topics of particular interest are bolded .

Prompts About Race and Black Lives Matter

  • How have your thoughts on race been changed by incarceration and the prison environment? Has incarceration made you more conscious of race? Do you feel more racial pride now than you did before you were incarcerated? 
  • Tell a story about your experience with race relations inside the prison system. 
  • Are you comfortable with your racial designation inside prison? If you are mixed-race, explain how that might have complicated your place inside prison. 
  • How did you become aware of the color of your skin and how the world viewed you?

Prompts About Prison Conditions

  • Write about an aspect of prison that you want people outside to know about? (Be specific about how you know each fact). 
  • Tell us about a policy you’d like to see changed. Include your reasons as well as what opponents would say, and your response to them.
  • Take the reader on a tour of your cell, yard, library or another place in prison. 
  • Write about your first day or your first year in prison. 
  • What is solitary confinement like? If you are on Death Row, what is it like to live alongside death?

Prompts About Life Before Prison

  • Write about your upbringing and circumstances that might have eventually led you to prison. 
  • Does your earlier life shed light on the foster-to-prison pipeline or the cycle of incarceration and poverty that has particularly impacted communities of color? Tell us. 
  • If you had problems in school, write about your experience. What might have made a difference?
  • Did you have a parent or a relative who was incarcerated? What kind of impact did that have?

Prompts About Sustaining Relationships Behind Bars

  • Describe the biggest challenges you have faced as an incarcerated parent or the child of an incarcerated parent. 
  • What have you learned about being a parent once you became incarcerated? 
  • What are the challenges of a romantic relationship across both sides of the wall? 
  • Tell us about your mentor inside prison or someone you mentor.

Prompts About Identity, Growth, Spirituality and Inner Life

  • What advice would you give a young teenager who has been incarcerated for the first time? Incorporate your own experience. 
  • Write about LGBTQ+ issues and relationships inside the walls. How has being immersed in a single-sex population altered or solidified your identity?
  • What is it like to age in prison? What are your challenges and fears?
  • Write about developing a new skill or learning a new subject while incarcerated.
  • How do you celebrate your culture? How do you observe religious holidays?

Prison Life, Society and Culture

  • What advice would you give to a new prisoner who had never been incarcerated before? 
  • Write a “how-to” article on how to navigate an aspect of prison life (e.g. how to keep your cell clean, how to get along with your cellie).
  • Write about an event (spiritual, cultural, sports, etc.) inside. Include who/what/when/where/why. 
  • How do you stay in shape inside prison? Write about your workouts or a sport you play if offered. 
  • Write about an activity, program, educational class or certification that has had an impact on you. 
  • Write about your prison pet or a hobby.
  • Write about your most prized possession and explain its significance.

Prompts About Reentry

  • Write an explanatory article about what it is like to go before the parole board.
  • Write a “how to” story on preparing to go home.
  • Describe your plans, dreams, or fears about reentry.
  • If you have already left prison, what were the challenges in getting resettled? What advice would you give to those coming after you?

Visual Prompts

  • Illustrate a scene of prison life. Scenes to consider: your cell or dorm space, chow hall, educational rooms, places of worship, the Yard, library, visiting room, waiting room in medical. (Please send a few sentences describing the meaning behind your work, so we can share the story behind it.)

Poetry Prompts Below is a list of topics poets submitting to PJP often write about. Try to incorporate into your poem the answers to questions like who, what, where, when, how, which one, and what kind. Consider both your thoughts and your feelings. Use your best poetic language and be specific in your examples.

  • Childhood and parenthood
  • Family 
  • Neighborhood and neighbors
  • Friends and enemies
  • The natural world
  • Prized possessions
  • God, spirituality, religion, the next world
  • Race, identity, belonging
  • Life inside compared to life outside
  • Justice and injustice
  • Dreams and nightmares
  • COVID-19 realities
  • Hope and discouragement
  • Courage and fear
  • Do-overs and transformation

Don’t like any of our prompts? We invite you to come up with your own.

Download a PDF of our complete Submission Guidelines .

Write For Us

  • Write for Us
  • Submission Guidelines
  • Editorial Policy
  • Style Guide
  • Journalism Guide
  • Story Submission Checklist

Corrections Essays (Examples)

Studyspark

Solitary Confinement And Mental Health Issues In Corrections

HIV among Incarcerated Populations. (2015). CDC. Retrieved from   http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/correctional.html

Why Social Justice Matters In Corrections

Determinate versus indeterminate sentencing policies.

Rhine, E.E., Watts, A. & Reitz, K.R. (2018). Parole boards within indeterminate and determinate sentencing structures. Robina Institute of Law and Criminal Justice. Retrieved from: https://robinainstitute.umn.edu/news-views/parole-boards-within-indeterminate-and-determinate-sentencing-structures

Solitary Nation Documentary

Mental health courts, ethical issues conflicts of interest.

Off, C. (1999). How can we trust our fellow citizens? In: Democracy and trust, edited by Mark Warren. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Constitutional Rights And Administrative Goals

Stojkovic, S., & Lovell, R. (2019). Corrections: An introduction (2nd Ed.). Retrieved from   https://content.ashford.edu  " target="_blank" REL="NOFOLLOW">

US Criminal Justice System

Criminal perspectives social trait classical, category topics.

  • Bail Reform
  • War On Drugs
  • Community Development
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Policy Change
  • Sovereignty
  • Mission Command
  • Dictatorship

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Corrections Topic Directory

Navigate through the topics section on corrections1, your hub for specialized coverage on key issues and major news in the corrections field..

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  • Man serving life in N.C. prison for murder escapes during hospital transport, $35K reward offered
  • CO union urges N.Y. governor to boost pay, safety measures to tackle prison staffing crisis amid closures
  • Escaped murderer caught after manhunt, taken to N.C.'s most secure correctional institution
  • Reward increases to $50K as manhunt for escaped N.C. inmate continues
  • From soccer mom to CO: Calif. sheriff’s office ‘looking for all types of people’ in recruitment video

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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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Most searched topics

This page is designed to provide quick and easy access to the resources and information that our users find most valuable.

Our most searched and most popular content covers a wide range of areas, from leadership and performance to offender programming and reentry. We have resources on topics such as PREA, Thinking for a Change, staff wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and learning. We also have information on emerging trends and best practices in corrections.

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, NIC has the resources to support your growth and development.

How can Technical Assistance from NIC help my organization?

NIC technical assistance provides a range of services designed to help corrections agencies succeed. From training and mentoring to on-site assistance and program implementation, NIC's technical assistance experts have the experience and expertise to help agencies address their unique challenges and achieve their goals. Technical assistance can help agencies improve staff training and development, enhance offender programming, and implement evidence-based practices. NIC technical assistance also offers support for emerging trends and issues in corrections, including staff wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion. With NIC technical assistance, corrections agencies can access the resources and expertise they need to improve operations, enhance outcomes, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of staff and offenders.

What is an example of NIC's Technical Assistance?

In 2020, NIC provided technical assistance to the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) to improve the agency's reentry programming. Through a comprehensive needs assessment and consultation with ADOC staff, NIC experts helped the agency identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance reentry services for offenders. The technical assistance included staff training and development, program implementation, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. As a result of this technical assistance, ADOC was able to improve the quality and effectiveness of its reentry programming and better support the successful reintegration of offenders into their communities.

Apply for NIC Technical Assistance

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Corrections Stress refers to the emotional challenges faced by correctional personnel and the potentially cumulative negative side effects of what staff experience through daily interactions with justice-involved individuals and immersion in uniquely challenging workplace conditions.

For additional information, trainings and materials on this NIC Project go to: Health and Wellness

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The Evidenced-Based Workforce Training Series - based on evidence-based practices - shows staff how to combine cognitive behavioral interventions with motivational interviewing techniques to address offenders’ gainful attachment to the workforce and/or job loss. This “hand in glove” approach supports the honest exploration of thoughts, feelings, and beliefs affecting offender

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Resources by topic area for Post-Conviction Victim Service Providers.

For additional information, trainings and materials on the NIC Project go to:  Post-Conviction Victim Service Providers .

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Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD), also known as Restorative Justice Dialogue or Victim Offender Mediation, is a process that brings together victims of a crime and the individuals who have harmed them. It provides an opportunity for both parties to engage in open and facilitated communication with the goal of addressing

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The Corrections

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45 pages ‱ 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 2-3

Chapters 4-5

Chapters 6-7

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

The Corrections takes place during the turn of the millennium, a period that seems quite distant from today. What is familiar to you in its portrait of America and the national mood? What is strange? Do you think that the book anticipates our present moment at all? In what ways?

The novel’s title refers to the corrections of the financial market. What other corrections, or attempted corrections, take place in the novel? To what degree do these corrections work?

Chip, the Lamberts’ middle son, escapes to Lithuania on a whim. He experiences a sense of relief and even happiness in doing so, at least at the beginning. Where do you think that his feeling comes from? What about Lithuania—a corrupt, war-torn country—is attractive to him? In what way is his new job as a confidence man a continuation of his previous career projects?

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Community Corrections and Criminal Justice Essay

  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Community corrections is an extremely important area of the criminal justice system because it helps to prepare inmates for becoming productive members of society. Unfortunately, community-based programs that can serve as effective alternatives to incarceration are substantially underutilized, which underscores a need for a reform of crime prevention policies in the United States. The aim of this paper is to discuss how the topic of community corrections has influenced my knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Community corrections are the topic that has been the easiest to understand because, unlike other aspects of criminal justice, this is the area of the administration of punishment that is the most familiar to me. It has to do with the fact that a friend of mine has been working at the Department of Corrections for three years. Her responsibilities as a community corrections officer include the provision of day reporting services, housing assistance, mentoring, and family reunification. Re-entry services provided by Fiona help to ensure that parolees receive cognitive-based therapy, avoid substance abuse and engage in pro-social activities. It is extremely important since many individuals after their release into a community exhibit anti-social beliefs and behaviors, thereby threatening social cohesion and safety.

The weekly topic has helped me to understand that evidence-based practices used by community corrections officers help reducing negative peer associations, which are known to improve the effectiveness of programs used by correctional agencies. My understanding of the criminal justice system has been enhanced by the introduction to community corrections topic because it has allowed me to realize that overreliance on imprisonment as the administration of punishment creates the problem of prison overcrowding. The issue is a source of great concern in the country because growing prison populations put a strain on taxpayers. High prison populations increase the rates of misconduct occurrence and have long-standing psychological consequences for inmates. Therefore, there is a need to change the penal system in order to eliminate overcrowding.

Unlike community corrections, the topic of courts has been the most difficult to understand because the courtroom work is associated with complicated interrelationships between such parties as judges, prosecutors, accused parties, complaining parties, and defense attorneys, among others. The determination of an accused party’s guilt or innocence is a process the complexity of which depends on a case, a state, a court’s level, and other elements. Furthermore, the use of plea bargaining and agreements between different parties further complicates the issue.

It has not escaped my notice that community corrections provide housing assistance services for parolees who are unable to find safe and secure housing on their own. By helping ex-prisoners and their dependents to secure housing upon their release, correctional agencies make sure that their clients develop pro-social relationships with the community. It is extremely important because not all parolees are capable of returning back into society after spending considerable time in prison. The weekly topic has also provided me with invaluable insights into the inner workings of the community corrections centers that help released individuals to find home plans and meaningful employment.

The weak topic has been of great benefit to my understanding of the criminal justice system. Now I know that community corrections provide a viable solution for the problem of prison overcrowding and help released individuals to return back into society.

  • Prison Overcrowding: A Persistent Problem
  • Criminal vs. Civil Cases and Punishment
  • Pro-Social and Anti-Social Behavior
  • Does Parole Work? Effectiveness of Parole
  • Conflict Inherent in a Parole Officer’s Duties
  • Drug War Policies and Freiberg & Carson's Models
  • Domestic Violence in International Criminal Justice
  • Community-Based Correctional Practitioners Recommendations
  • Procedural Law and the Bill of Rights
  • Criminal Justice Systems in the US, the UK, Norway
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2020, September 9). Community Corrections and Criminal Justice. https://ivypanda.com/essays/community-corrections-and-criminal-justice/

"Community Corrections and Criminal Justice." IvyPanda , 9 Sept. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/community-corrections-and-criminal-justice/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'Community Corrections and Criminal Justice'. 9 September.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Community Corrections and Criminal Justice." September 9, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/community-corrections-and-criminal-justice/.

1. IvyPanda . "Community Corrections and Criminal Justice." September 9, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/community-corrections-and-criminal-justice/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Community Corrections and Criminal Justice." September 9, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/community-corrections-and-criminal-justice/.

I have an only child. Our small family saves money, and traveling is much easier.

  • I've only ever wanted one child and am happy with my decision.
  • Having one child means our life is easier and cheaper.
  • With one child, we get to do more activities and experiences as a family.

Insider Today

" Are you having another one?" is the question every mother is asked after they've had their first child .

"No, I'm one and done," was, and continues to be, my answer. After you say it a few times, people usually get the hint.

I know that for many parents, having one child is not a choice; they would love to add to their family but cannot.

But for me, having one child has been perfect, and I don't regret it. My partner is also happy with our family of three and the life we've created together.

I know my limits

I've always thought that if I did have kids, I would just have one. And after having my daughter 7 years ago, the thought was cemented.

While my pregnancy went OK, giving birth is not an experience I want to repeat. Years on, I'm still recovering physically from issues brought upon by having a baby. With one child, I have the time to exercise and the money to invest in physiotherapy to get my body functioning properly so I can run around after my daughter.

I'm also aware of my parenting limitations. I could probably have another child , but I know I would feel overwhelmed, have less patience, and not be the calm and present mother I want to be.

Our life is easier

In many ways, having an only child is easier.

My partner, daughter, and I love traveling , and not only is it cheaper with just one child, but the logistics are also easier to plan. We all fit together nicely on just one row of a plane and in the back of a cab. We can squeeze into a hotel room or small Airbnb, and the three of us fit easily around a table for two in a café.

Participating in activities or weekend adventures, such as going to the theater, a sports game, or the zoo, is more straightforward and cheaper for our small family.

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We also save money on things like the weekly grocery bill , school fees, and clothes. The extra money we have allows us to travel and do more things together, creating amazing experiences and memories.

Having siblings isn't a guarantee against loneliness

I know there are many arguments for having more children. They will play together, look after each other, and have a bond for life. Having more children also means extra help as you age , and they'll be there to sort out your house when you die.

These things are all true, but there are counterarguments to them, too.

Having siblings doesn't guarantee help with older parents or funeral arrangements. I've heard many examples of the responsibility falling to one child anyway due to different relationship dynamics, adult responsibilities, and families scattered across the globe.

I have a friend who doesn't have children, and her response to questions about aging and death is that they will pay to put arrangements in place. Similarly, we will put in plans to ensure not all of the burden falls on our daughter.

We get to play, too

I don't agree with the argument that you should have another child just so they have a playmate. My daughter is lucky to have cousins, family friends, sports teams, and schoolmates.

And we get the chance to play with her, too: reading, drawing Lego, puzzles, and board games. We also love cooking and gardening together.

We make a big effort to ensure she's surrounded by other kids and families, and that we get involved in lots of activities.

Having one child is more common now

Back when my parents had children, having two or more was seen as the normal thing to do. Nowadays, I feel less societal pressure to have another kid, and it's more common to see families like ours around.

For us, having an only child was a conscious decision and one that has made our lives easier, cheaper, but also incredibly fun and rewarding.

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Harris Plans to Ban Grocery ‘Price Gouging.’ What Does the Evidence Say?

Price increases when demand exceeds supply are textbook economics. The question is whether, and how much, the pandemic yielded an excess take.

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Produce shelves at a grocery store, with carrot bunches, bags of potatoes, leafy greens and other items.

By Jim Tankersley and Jeanna Smialek

Reporting from Washington

Vice President Kamala Harris’s economic agenda for her presidential campaign features an argument that blames corporate price gouging for high grocery prices.

That message polls well with swing voters. It has been embraced by progressive groups , which regularly point to price gouging as a driver of rapid inflation, or at least something that contributes to rapid price increases. Those groups cheered the announcement late Wednesday that Ms. Harris would call for a federal ban on corporate price gouging on groceries in an economic policy speech on Friday.

But the economic argument over the issue is complicated.

Economists have cited a range of forces for pushing up prices in the recovery from the pandemic recession, including snarled supply chains, a sudden shift in consumer buying patterns , and the increased customer demand fueled by stimulus from the government and low rates from the Federal Reserve. Most economists say those forces are far more responsible than corporate behavior for the rise in prices in that period.

Biden administration economists have found that corporate behavior has played a role in pushing up grocery costs in recent years — but that other factors have played a much larger one.

The Harris campaign announcement on Wednesday cited meat industry consolidation as a driver of excessive grocery prices, but officials did not respond on Thursday to questions about the evidence Ms. Harris would cite or how her proposal would work.

There are examples of companies telling investors in recent years that they have been able to raise prices to increase profits. But even the term “price gouging” means different things to different people.

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