So much time and effort has been spent since 1969 in the pursuit of the war on drugs that it is a very, very touchy subject in the police world. The overwhelming majority of police officers and administrators are committed "drug warriors." They accept America's drug laws and participate in the war willingly. On the other hand, not only are there a substantial number of citizens who are in favor of legalizing drugs, but a steadily increasing number of police officers, a "substantial minority," are as well. In the midst of this controversy, the American police officer must soldier on.Write an essay about victimless crimes, focusing in particular upon drug laws. Discuss the classic elements of victimless crimes, which of course include huge profits, an ongoing demand, and official

corruption. Discuss how this corruption is created by the fact that (1) so much money is involved and, at the same time, (2) often there are no specifically "victimized" citizens present at times of potential arrests. (In fact, drug dealers and police officers are usually the only people present, and the dealers want the police to take some payoff money and "just go away.") Include a discussion of these realities in your essay and include the debate about how legalizing drugs might lessen police corruption of authority. Finally, take your own stand on the issues involved. Where are you with regard to, say, the legalization of drugs-marijuana (in particular)?

What will be an ideal response?


Consenting adults with no direct harm done to others, vast sums of wealth that can be used to buy loyalty, including corrupting government officials.

Criminal Justice

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The defendant is a member of the courtroom work group

a. True b. False

Criminal Justice

The precise issue in Rothgery v. Gillespie County (2008) was whether

A. An initial appearance must be held within 48 hours after arrest B. The Sixth Amendment right to counsel is guaranteed at an initial appearance C. A court must appoint counsel within a reasonable time after requested at an initial appearance D. The initial appearance is a critical stage

Criminal Justice

Discuss why and how horror and "splatter" films remind us that evil, dangerous beings reside in our communities. Why do we need to be reminded?

What will be an ideal response?

Criminal Justice

Herbert Packer likened the idealized criminal justice system to a(n):

a. sports team. b. assembly line. c. tangled bureaucracy. d. obstacle course.

Criminal Justice