Your neighbor realizes you are studying criminal justice and asks for your opinion regarding his cousin's recent encounter with the law. It seems that his cousin Michael, a 25-year-old and a new homeowner, had a fight with his neighbor Jack. Michael had just planted some new roses on what he thought was his property when Jack came outside and claimed the roses were on his property. At first, Michael tried to handle the situation calmly, but when Jack said he would pull out the roses, Michael and Jack started shouting loudly at one another. A friend called the police, who responded and warned both Michael and Jack that they needed to calm down or they could be charged with a misdemeanor for disturbing the peace. After the police left, Jack waited and then stole the roses from out of the

Question

ground but was recorded by Michael's newly installed video cameras. Michael went to the police and signed a complaint for larceny with regard to the cost of the roses. Now, your neighbor wants to know what is likely to happen to Jack. Explain what is likely to occur by outlining the stages from arrest to the possible disposition of the case, using either the crime control or the due process model. Assume this is Jack's first offense and that he fully admits to taking the roses.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary but should include a discussion of the police, courts, and corrections. They should at least briefly identify the stages of the arrest, booking, preliminary hearing, arraignment, standard of proof, and the likelihood of plea bargaining. Answers about corrective measures will vary depending on whether the student applies the due process or the crime control model.