fandomhigh | SOC 201 and 310 : October 17

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sociology

SOC 201 and 310 : October 17

Criminology

Today in class, I would like you to review your assigned reading and I would like each of you to offer a way you would modify the current judicial system in dicussion.

For next class, please review these handouts. We will be discussing the role of censorship in regards to its legal necessity, and the issue of obscenity.

Death and Dying

I hope you did your reading.

In continuing with our Homicide unit, please discuss the following question.
What factors do you believe excuse some one from being responsible for a death when it comes to matters of personal control for one's actions? Psychological illness? Extreme distress? Introduction of an influential outside source?

For next class, please read Anne Sexton's poem Suicide Note.

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Welcome to class.

"Modifying the current judicial system would be...difficult at best. It's so convoluted and complex in it's current state that the only thing I can see making it somewhat easier, less confusing for the layman is to possibly unify some different courts. Not all of them, mind you, but I'm mainly thinking of unifying appellate courts with regular circuit/juvenile/civil/criminal courts. Because, during most cases, people found guilty will attempt to appeal the decision which only ties up the case longer, causing tax payers to pay more money, and a possible criminal to remain free."

"That is true, but how to we have the appropriate checks and balances to keep innocent and wrongly convicted people out of jail without the current system of appeals?"

"Oh, I think the appeals process is necessary but I find myself always wondering if, when an appeal is going to be processed, does an almost whole new trial have to exist? I don't think the original judge of the original trial should hear the case because of bias but my main modification would be to the appeals process to either streamline it or renovate it so that time is cut down from the process and less money comes from the taxpayer. How that would be done would be difficult as appeals are necessary but I just find some lawyers and clients using them to keep the client out of jail."

"That seems like a logical idea. Thank you. Good work."

"I find it hard to just offer a modification to a system that has been set up over time and has been adjusted to better serve the needs as they came up. If I have to suggest anything, I think it might be that the system becomes more transparent for the ordinary man. Just looking at the diagram, it's clear that the whole process is very complex and it's easy to lose your way in it. That's easy to say, but I highly doubt it's as easily done. It's so complex for a reason."

"Good thoughts, thank you."

I"m not sure that I would make any changes from the chart," Angela says. "But in general? I think more drug and other nonviolent offenders should be routed into rehab programs instead of jail." She twirls her pen. "I'm not sure that's what you want."

"No, that's a very good point. Adding the burden of crimes that are quite numerous and not particularly harmful to the rest of society to an already clogged system is a valid concern. Although, it is my personal belief some drug offenders are worth taking off the streets. Young lives destroyed by..."

He realizes he is going off on to a personal rant, and clams up. "Thank you, Angela."

Welcome to class.

What about if you're not responsible for your own actions, because someone is in your head and controls you from within??

"That's a good question. What do you think? And what are some of the other factors involved?"

((OOC:What do i think?? I have just spend the entire afternoon thinking up an explanation about how William Langland has left us clues in his poetry that he was a Augustinian, and why...i do not think))

"Well, i think if someone is really, like totally controlled by someone else, like he's used as a puppet, you can hardly blame them if they kill someone in that state, i guess. And the other factors...i don't know?

"I suppose it depends on how that person came under the influence, but I do agree sometimes our behavior can be out of our own control some times. Thank you, Harry."

It is my firm belief that your teacher stripping naked and starting a sing-a-long (http://www.livejournal.com/community/fandomhigh/227082.html) excuses any and all behavior on your part up to and including violent actions taken to stop them.

"I guess that rules out my plan for a strip forensics seminar," Grissom jokes. "But I would have to assume that a member of the faculty behaving in such an unprofessional manner must be due to some sort of outside influence." Grissom coughs and blushes.

Gremlin spit maybe?

"Potentially. Have you reported this teacher to the Dean?"

~~Jake and I were too busy running for our lives~~ I think one of the other students might have called Rover.

Marty tries to participate in class but is under the effect of a Grilled ham and cheese sandwich he got from the Swedish Chef.

(Singing)
And I’ve tired of waiting (oooh-a-la-la)
Yes it’s driving me crazy (oooh-a-la-la-la)
And my patience is fading (oooh-a-la-la)

Marty sighs in frustration.

Grissom averts his eyes ~~because he totally has ABBA Gold in his CD changer and regularly sings Fernando in the shower - OH TEH SHAME!~~ for a moment.

"Having a bad day, Martin?"

Marty nods and makes another mistake for opening his mouth.

I was at a party and this fella said to me
Something bad is happening, I’m sure you do agree
People care for nothing, no respect for human rights
Evil times are coming, we are in for darker nights

Marty then scribbles something on his notepad and holds it up.

It says:
"Whatever you do? Don't eat the ham and cheese sandwich at the cafeteria."

At the bottom of the page is a picture of Marty beating the crap out of the Swedish Chef.

"I'll make a mental note. I'm going to assume you believe shifty ham sandwiches to be an acceptable excuse for committing murder?" Grissom smirked.

Marty shakes his head and scribbles out another note.

"Depends on your definition of murder. But to answer your question: An obvious lack of mental facilities can be considered a valid defense if that person has no concept of death or what is right or wrong."

Rogue smiles at Dr. Grissom as she takes a seat. She thinks about the question for a moment. "There have to be exceptions made for those people who kill because of outside influences. I don't know exactly where the line should be. Self-defense, obviously. Defense of one you love, probably. Psychological illness, yes. I think."

She sighs.

Grissom gives her a warm smile. "Thank you, Rogue. If we had all the answers, we wouldn't be asking the questions. I appreciate your honesty."

Rogue blushes at the praise. "Thank you doctor. I really enjoy this class. It makes me think, and you're a really great teacher," she adds with a little smile.

"I'm glad you are enjoying the class," he plays with a pen in his hand. "I try to make it relevant for the students at any rate, although I can admit I still have a lot to learn as well.

And if you can ever break yourself of the habit, just call me Grissom."

Archie keeps trying to think of a serious, articulate answer but keeps getting distracted by Marty's singing. He's actually kind of glad about this, though, as this class tends to bring out a more somber side of him.

"Psychological illness, certainly. But then, I think the question may come down to whether or not the psychologically ill person is under anyone else's care, and if so, did the caretaker do everything within reason to keep his charge in check? Did they have friends who might have realized the potential danger? Did the --"

He stops himself short before saying "Did the ship's junior officers have justification to mutiny against a clearly insane captain before he brought further harm to the crew?" He's not sure where the thought came from, anyway.

"That is a very important question, and yes, I do believe those factors must be considered in the equation, although the answer to that question may be more complex than we can deal with in this class. Our responsibilities to eliminate clearly unjust leadership are undefined, you're right. We must use our own moral and ethical codes as a guideline. Thank you, Archie."

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SOC 201 and 310 : October 17

Criminology

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