Opinion Portfolio Essay Example for Free

Opinion Portfolio Essay 1. Are the media a real cause of violence and crime, or do they simply report what they see? The Media does not create the news it merely reports it.   It sensationalizes events, but cannot take responsibility for its impact on viewers.   In general the media has a responsibility which is married to society’s right to the free flow of information.   The irresponsible manner in which the media reports information can have both a deterrent and encouraging impact on the masses. But in the end criminal conduct is a creature of conscience and each member of society is responsible for his own conscience.   The greatest fault that can be attributed to the media’s role in reporting violence and crime is one of desensitizing the viewing public. 2. Should the media be used to fight crime? The media is viewed as an instrument of social control and in that sense it can and should be used to fight crime.   The key to successful detection, investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct is primarily attributed to information sharing.   The mere nature of the mass media’s role in information sharing puts it in a unique position to influence the commission of crimes.   The freedom of the press can be exploited to such an extent so as to reduce recidivism in a number of useful arenas and to deter criminal conduct in general. 3. Should the exclusionary rule be abolished? The exclusionary rule exists as a safeguard against public abuse of powers in respect of innocent persons.   All evidence presented at a criminal trial is required to be relevant.   If evidence is collected in an arbitrary manner it becomes suspect and therefore not relevant to the issue of guilt or innocence.   This is so because its probative value is outweighed by its prejudicial effect. When one piece of evidence is tainted it has the capacity to taint all other evidence no matter how relevant it is even if that other evidence was collected and preserved with integrity.   It is therefore essential that the exclusionary rule remain a part of the criminal justice process. Does a racial disparity exist in regard to the application of the death penalty? Many surveys conclude that blacks are more likely to receive the death penalty than whites while just as many surveys reveal that whites are more likely to receive the death penalty than blacks.   The end result is that the surveys merely reflect the demographic variables relative to the specific surveys conducted and do not reflect a prejudiced criminal justice system. 5. Are sexual assault cases under prosecuted? Sufficient data exist to support a contention that sexual assault cases are indeed under prosecuted.   This fact is married to the fact that sexual assault cases are by and large under reported.   Experts conclude that the under reporting and under prosecuting of sexual assault cases is directly linked to society’s general view that sexual assault only happens to others and the survivor’s reputation and credibility becomes as central to any sexual assault prosecution as does the suspect’s. 6. Should parole be abolished? Parole by its very nature is an important tool for the reintegration of the offender into society.   A prisoner has to meet very structured requirements in order to be eligible for parole. If parole is abolished a very important element necessary for the success of rehabilitation within the criminal justice system would be compromised. 7. Does the Patriot Act infringe on civil liberties? The Patriot Act was passed in response to national security issues following the September 11 terrorist attacks on US soil.   It is fails to adequately balance the need for increased protection of the homeland and citizens ‘right to protection of the law in respect of civil liberties.   Under the fear of increased statutory government powers of surveillance, search, seizure and arrests the Patriot Act may have by application given citizens more reasons to fear acts of terrorism against a government who has as its agenda the deterrence, detection and prevention of terrorism. 8. Is the US prepared for acts of terror or national emergencies? The United States is as prepared for acts of terror or national emergencies as much as it is possible to be prepared.   The requisite laws have been passed increasing police and government powers and certainly the United States has in place a military and medical response mechanism that can cope with practically any level of national emergencies. The unpredictable nature of terrorism and national emergencies makes it impossible for any nation to have a perfect response system in place.   The United States is no exception.