Saturday, April 26, 2008
12:43 PM
Effects of delay, uncertainty on crime and ignorance on crime and the perception of justice
The effects of uncertainty can be seen that a crime will be more likely to be carried out in cases such that if a robber is uncertain about the odds he will not be caught by the police, (e.g. a low rate of at least ten to one that the police will not catch a robber) and also the odds that he will not land up in prison if he is caught by the police unless he has a long record. (e.g. on the average, no more than three felonies out of a hundred result in imprisonment.
The effects of delay can be seen that a crime will be more likely to be carried out if penalties imposed on crimes come only after a long delay after the convict is caught. (For e.g. in some jurisdictions, a year or more might be needed before a trial awaits the convict.)
The effects of ignorance can be seen such that a crime will be more likely to be carried out if the criminal, especially young ones, are ignorant of how the world works, and think that the odds against being caught are even greater than they are, or that delays in the court proceedings might result in a reduction or avoidance of punishment.
The effects of degree and uncertainty can be solved to a certain extent if there is an increase in the amount of likelihood arrest, probability and severity of prison sentences for criminals caught. However, this is not a feasible solution as all the above solutions cannot be done to a drastic extent (e.g. long jail terms for robbers). The prison might not be able to house all the criminals if such measures are taken. The effects of ignorance are hard to be solved as different people have different abilities of accessing the risks of crime. Some may think that the odds of chances of being caught and punished are higher.
My perception of justice is such that the justice system must not be corrupt. There should not be bribery which results in criminals escaping scot-free. (E.g. In china, many businessman and criminals bribe the Communist Party and government officials for crimes they have committed.) It must also be efficient, with ample courts, judges and magistrates. Prisons must also be large enough to house all criminals. (e.g. In North Dakota, US, prisons in Bismarck and Jamestown are full.) It should not come to a point where criminals are released because there is a lack of prison space to house them.
JESSIE :)
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