Criminal

Because of the rising crime rate and the nation’s tougher stance on crime, many states have enacted legislation that eliminates discretion for sentencing alternatives, especially as it relates to repeat offenders. This legislation is referred to as “three strikes and you’re out.” In some states, one does not have to be convicted of a third felony to be affected by this legislation. If someone committed a misdemeanor for the third offense, it would trigger the “three strikes” law and subject the offender to a life sentence.

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas on the following:

What impact, if any, do you feel that this type of legislation would have on recidivism rates? Explain.

Do you believe that someone convicted of a misdemeanor for their third offense should be subjected to life imprisonment under this legislation? Why or why not?

What does the data show in evaluating the impact of “three strikes” legislation?

Analyzing A Social Policy

In this course, you have learned that social policies are formulated to solve social problems considered important by a mass of voters, media, and political actors. Social policy is but one solution to the problem—not necessarily the most rational, effective, or socially just. Social policies are human creations and, as such, can be changed. In this paper you will analyze a social policy as a tool for social justice.

Research one social welfare policy using your textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet.

Analyze the policy and address the following:

The social problem addressed by the policy

What is/are the problem/s to be solved in the most fundamental terms?

What is the history of the problem/s in the United States?

What are the various theories about the causes of the problem/s? Based on this, what do you think is/are the most important causes/s of the problem/s?

The policy objectives, value premises, expectation, and target populations

Policy objectives—overt and covert objectives: What are the stated objectives of the policy? In your judgment, what are the covert objectives of the policy?

What are the values underlying the policy objectives? What values are revealed by the overt and covert objectives?What did the policymakers expect would be the result of the policy?

Target segments of the population at whom policy is aimed: Discuss the direct target of the policy in terms of size and other demographic characteristics. Who are the indirect targets of the policy?

Effects of the policy

Intended effects: What effects did the lawmakers intend?

Unintended effects: What effects did the lawmakers not foresee?

Distinguish between short-range (less than five years) and long-range (over five years) effects of the policy.

Implications of the Policy

Changes in the distribution of material resources: Are there any changes to the distribution of material resources, including income and other tangible benefits, as a result of the policy for direct or indirect target groups?

Changes in distribution of services, rights, and statuses: Are there any changes in services, rights, or statuses as a result of the policy?

Alternative Policies

What alternative policy/policies would more effectively address the social problem discussed in the policy analysis while advancing social justice?

Write a 4–6-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Make sure to include research in addition to the textbook from credible, scholarly sources.