Using a sentence that has recently been handed down for a high-profile crime in your area, discuss how it fits (or does not fit) within retributive, deterrence, and rehabilitative theories. Then critique both the potential cost and the effectiveness of this sentence.

Especially with respect to the constitutional separation of church and state, debate whether the merger of religious principles with correctional programming through faith-based initiatives is appropriate in governmentfunded correctional facilities.

From the taxpayer’s perspective, argue for expanding prison industries. Then play the role of a union leader, discussing why prison industries are unfair competition with the free marketplace and need to be curtailed.

Describe what negative impact both jurisdictional separation and functional fragmentation have had for the field of corrections. Despite this, explain why both are necessary in a democracy by exploring the potential negative repercussions that would result if they were abolished.

Following the walk-away escape of four long-term offenders after visiting hours, the director of corrections was dismissed and you have been asked to fill the position—provided that you can assure the governor that there will be no escapes during your administration. Discuss your response to this demand in terms of what you would need to do to meet it, what it would cost (not necessarily […]

Using different assessment criteria, show how the same probationers could be viewed as both failures and successes. Discuss whether the effectiveness of probation should be based on the recidivism of its clients and, if not, provide suggestions for alternative approaches.

Using a controversial case that has recently been in the news, explain why the resulting sentence does not appear to be rational and equitable. Provide recommendations for how the system could be improved when similar cases are addressed in the future.

Describe how both underenforcement and overenforcement of prison rules by one officer can jeopardize the safety of others, as well as why it is in an officer’s best interests to be firm, fair, and consistent in that regard.

Put yourself in the position of the administrator of a jail with fewer than 50 beds. Discuss what the benefits as well as challenges would be if your jail was to consolidate with those of several other equally small surrounding jurisdictions

Using whatever information you have (or can locate online) about intervention and prevention of gang development in free society, discuss what strategies might be effectively transferred to corrections in order to reduce the growth of gangs behind bars.

Select a high-profile domestic violence crime that has recently been committed in your community and, in terms of the circumstances surrounding the offense, discuss the relevance of deterrence theory to possibly having prevented it. If deterrence theory does not seem to apply effectively, make the case for another theory that you think would have had more preventive impact.

Debate the pros and cons of charging inmates fees for health care. Devise a compromise that would address as many points by both sides as possible. Go online to view the statement of Human Rights Watch (September 22, 2009) concerning the impact of supermaximum-security prison facilities and debate whether they should be abolished.

Locate information about the operation of a drug court in your state and use it to illustrate this initiative’s diversionary aspects, advantages, and disadvantages. Develop a hypothetical scenario to illustrate the concept of net-widening, and then explain how cost-effectiveness is affected when net-widening occurs