Discuss Samuel Walker’s wedding cake model of criminal justice. Identify each layer of the model and provide an example of a crime that fits into each layer. How is this model relevant to our culture of heavy media coverage of crime?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The wedding cake model of justice divides the proceedings of the criminal justice system into four different categories: celebrated cases, serious felonies, lesser felonies, and misdemeanors. Celebrated cases are at the top layer. They receive a great deal of media attention because the crimes are unusual or involve well-known people. Although processing of these cases does not differ from that of other criminal cases, extra care is often taken to ensure the defendants' rights are protected. The next layer down includes serious felonies, which include violent crimes committed by people with lengthy criminal records and who often prey on strangers. These offenders are less likely to be allowed to enter into a plea agreement before trial. At the third layer down are the lesser felonies. These crimes tend to be nonviolent and are typically committed by people who do not have extensive criminal records, and the offender may be acquainted with the victim. Many of these cases will be filtered out of the system via plea agreements prior to trial. Finally, the lowest layer of the cake comprises misdemeanors, which are about 90% of all criminal matters. These cases are often dealt with less formally; their penalties involve fines, probation, or short jail sentences.