Reforming Corrections
American Senator Daniel Webster remarked in 1845 that
“Justice is the great interest of man on earth.”
The importance of justice is great, and the American system of criminal justice was designed to
pursue that interest. However, the product of the system is not always justice.
Defense Attorney Clarence Darrow stated that
“There is no such thing as justice –in or out of court.”
Justice is an elusive concept, and designing a system that insures justice is difficult.
The Assignment:
Assume that you have recently been appointed by the President as Chairperson of the
Commission on Corrections. Your task is to review the American Corrections system– and
make recommendations for change in order to make the system more just and fair.
Based on your knowledge of the corrections system (any components), discuss and justify what
changes you would make in the system in order to achieve this goal. Feel free to consider
anything discussed in class or in the text. Specifically, do the following:
1. Discuss what you think are some problems with the criminal justice system as it works
today. Mention at least three (feel free to discuss more).
2. Discuss what could be done to remedy these problems.
3. Explain and justify everything you write.
4. Be creative.
5. Proofread your paper. Use size 12 font, times new roman, and cite all of your sources
6. Be sure that you write this assignment with an introduction, body, and conclusion.