Issues such as security and safety, uniformity, and promoting togetherness or unity as benefits. "Vittana: "10 Pros and Cons of School Uniforms.". To come up with a well-informed opinion whether the issuance of mandatory minimum sentences is reasonable or not, let us take a look at its pros and cons. Up until the 1960s, capital punishment was a mandatory minimum sentence for murder. 2. For example, the person's criminal past and behavior in prison determine the length of prison time the inmate needs for rehabilitation. 4. The following are the pros of uniforms in schools that can be confirmed by those who have not wasted time and enjoy the benefits of this approach in their schools: 1. It creates a lifetime of effects for the child in question. 1. This is true in the justice system just as much as it is with any other state matter. Additionally, schools that favor uniforms feel that they help create a safer educational environment, letting students focus more on learning, as opposed to what they're going to wear to school the next day. The standard sentence is handed down, no matter who that person is, what race they are, or what religion they follow. Students legal right to free expression remains intact even with mandatory school uniforms. Those who decide to commit a crime are removed from society,so they can no longer do harm to it in their preferred way. It treats teens who are almost adults as part of the adult system for the purpose of justice. Any decision has its own set of pros and cons. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether students should have to wear . I think librarians should really weigh . Sometimes, the system works very well, but its benefits are not always so apparent in other times. Reports produced from this collection summarize the movement of prisoners into . As mentioned earlier, schools that have uniforms may use them as a way to standardize the dress code amongst their students. They can lead to a decrease in serious crime. Pros And Cons Of Removing Ovaries For Endometriosis, 50 Intense Pros and Cons of Dropping the Atomic Bomb, 20 Intriguing Pros and Cons of Becoming a State National, Pros And Cons Of Higher Education For Police Officers. When it comes to the more strictly controlled drugs, there will be extremely harsh sentences for producing, having and attempting to sell them. They Stifle Creativity and Individuality. With uniforms, a more professional tone is set in a school, encouraging students to take their studies more seriously. Mandatory minimum sentences continue to be talked about, as citizens, politicians and ex-convicts push their opinions. 5. Jessica is a practicing attorney and has taught law and has a J.D. The judge gave a sentence of 8 to 15 years. In conclusion, mandatory sentencing is a complex and often controversial issue. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws cause both state and federal prisons to overcrowd, extortionate tax costs, and deflect from law enforcement funds. 4. INTRODUCTION The Fair Sentencing Act (FSA) of 2010 (Public Law 111-220) was an act by Congress, and became law on August 3, 2010 ( ). These robes were used as a way to standardize the dress among school boys, making it easier for school teachers to keep track of boarding school students. She was given clemency in 2019 after serving 15 years in prison for the crime. Both of them chose to plead guilty to the crime, of which their friend was able to survive. These are the key points to consider. 2. Every year, millions of people in the US go through its criminal justice system. Dress codes, on the other hand, are different from school uniforms. Do School Uniforms Make a Difference? He also fell asleep during the pretrial motions of the case, which showed a lack of remorse to prosecutors. December 19, 1984. Although high level, serious offenders were targeted with these sentencing guidelines, first-time offenders and unintentional law breakers get caught up in the snare and everyone receives the same sentence. This is particularly true in cases where the punishment is relatively harsh. One girl was sentenced to 25 years in a mental institution, while the other was given 40 years. For youth offenders the rates range from a low of 0% after 1 year to a high of 41% after 5 years when following up if they were sentenced to a youth facility. What Are the Pros and Cons of School Uniforms? It prevents a child from having a fresh start even after they make necessary changes. Records showed a history of violence and a previous no-contact order that Lockridge violated. School uniforms promote conformity over individuality. His appeal argued for equal protection rights, but the court said that a heinous sex crime was not similar to a civil case that did not involve any crime. When looking at the racial demographics of the county (which is where Seattle is located), only 6.2% of the population is African-American. Uniform policies save valuable class time because they are easier to enforce than a standard dress code. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Referenced for its constant work in progress at all levels of authority and the numerous problems it is facing, this system try its best to provide just punishments to those who break the law. Erases Cultural Differences. This form of sentencing has both pros and cons that should be carefully weighed by all parties involved. Its goal is to make the consequences of committing crimes less beneficial than the perceived rewards. Penal Code Ann. Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 22 Advantages and Disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. 3. The study showed that for both low and high risk offenders, the rate of deterrence was the same. Cohesion and Equality. 3. They stop unjust sentencing practices. Another indeterminate sentence upheld was Bruce Wimberly, who pleaded guilty to sexual assault in 1984. That means the judge is responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the juvenile, and what their sentence should be for their crime. There are certainly some definite pros and cons to mandatory sentencing, and here are some of them: 1. When juveniles are with adults in the justice system, then their rates begin to climb to match those of the older offenders. - Definition, History, Pros & Cons, What Is Community Service? School uniforms create a level playing field among students, reducing peer pressure and bullying. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mandatory sentencing. The term has been in use since the 16th century and is a shortening of a Latin phrase, pro et contra, which means "for and against.". In regards to the case of the 10-year-old girl in Wisconsin, Steinberg said that she wouldnt likely pass a competency test to stand trial in the first place. 3. A parole board is a panel that reviews an offender's criminal record while in prison to determine their eligibility for parole. Up until the 1960s, capital punishment was a mandatory minimum sentence for murder. There are many benefits of school uniforms that parents, teachers, and students often agree on. She was scheduled to complete her sentence in 2015, but then was released to the community in 2012 despite being convicted of a triple homicide. suggest new. Make laundry less of a hassle for parents. Its also important to note that mandatory sentencing laws have been linked to an increase in racial and socioeconomic disparities within the criminal justice system. One of the most common types of mandatory minimum sentence in the US has something to do with drug use. As prosecutors make the decision of what charges to put against the defendants, they can stack the deck, which involves over-charging them in order to reach a guilty plea. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. Determinate sentencing is a sentence structure that gives a convicted criminal a fixed prison time. words. Tags. School uniforms in public schools undermine the promise of a free education by imposing an extra expense on families. Parole boards have too much power. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. This response to the crime places them at a needless risk because a child is five times more likely to be sexually assaulted when serving time in an adult prison than they are if they are in a juvenile facility. A parole board is a panel of individuals who determine whether an inmate is eligible for release before their sentence expires. In the US, 300 million people are having their unique opinions on certain subjects. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether students should have to wear school uniforms, go to ProCon.org. After being caught, the judge sentenced her to a 10-year mandatory sentence as dictated by law. There are approximately 10,000 children who are currently housed in adult prison or jails on any given day in the United States. Indeterminate sentencing is a type of prison sentence that is subject to review by a parole board. There are examples of 10-year sentences being handed out for having 1g of marijuana in possession. 3. I feel like its a lifeline. All rights reserved. There is an argument to be made that a 17-year-old committing a severe crime understands what they are doing and is willing to take on the risk of experiencing the potential for legal consequences because of their actions. 1. Then there are some judges that do not. They reduce time spent shopping, as well as money spent buying clothes, and eliminate bullying based on dress and appearance. 1. GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) Dakota Access Oil Pipeline (archived 10/7/20) The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is the lawful imposition of death as punishment for a crime. Dress codes at school can reduce acts of violence. 1. History and the War on Drugs . School uniforms may improve attendance and discipline. Many judges apply the law to the best of their ability in a professional manner. Cell Phone Radiation. One of the primary arguments in favor of mandatory sentencing is that it creates a sense of justice and fairness. Synonyms for Pros and cons. Why? Additionally, assault with a deadly weapon decreased by 50%, fighting incidents declined 51%, and sex offenses dropped by 74%. There is also a higher level of susceptibility to negative peer pressure in youth. 6. In the study, 94% of the federal public defenders and 28% of the private defense attorneys maintained that sentence disparity had increased under the . Though every person deserves a fair chance, placing too lenient sentences would almost make it seem like offenders are getting away with the crimes they committed. This was when the tough on crime policy of the early 1990s came to be, as well as other landmark legislations that had defined how the country treats people who are considered criminals. At the end of the day, the decision about incorporating school uniforms (or a dress code) comes down to the specific school and its unique needs. Stat. In addition, the school uniform shows the single identity of the school. In the United States, the jury is not typically informed of a mandatory minimum penalty because there is a fear that knowing the sentence may affect the determination of innocence or guilt. The latter is used as a frame in section four, where forty pros and cons of paper versus electronic products are reviewed. The United States is the only country in the world where the justice system will sentence children to death behind bars for the crimes that they commit. These kids are 36 times more likely to commit suicide as well. 1. It offers a suitable penalty for severe crimes that some juveniles commit. Although students and even most parents do not agree to apply school uniforms many of large schools in all the world started . They shift the personal bias in trials. Create an account to start this course today. Uniforms may have a detrimental effect on students self-image. While legislation continues to push against the failures of the tough on crime approach over the past 20 years, mandatory minimum sentences will also continue to change, as the nature of law in the country is more accurately reflecting what the community needs. When children are tried in juvenile court, then the judge presiding over the case will have the final decision as to what the outcome of the proceedings will be. Promote comradery and foster a sense of community. Conversely, the board has the power to deny the inmate release, keeping the person in custody until their next parole hearing. Since the punishments are predetermined, there is no room for leniency or mercy, which can lead to overcrowding in prisons as many offenders are sentenced to long terms of incarceration. It is a process which seems to disproportionally target minority demographics. Although this number is roughly 75% less than what it was in the early 1990s, it is still one of the highest rates in the world today. With mandatory minimum sentences extending the length of time prisoners must serve, there is a definite financial cost which must be considered with this practice. Before deciding whether or not to adopt mandatory sentencing laws, its essential to take a deep dive into the situation and assess its effectiveness. According to a 2020 report, the percentage of public schools that required school uniforms jumped from 12% in the 1999-2000 school year to 20% in the 2017-18 school year. In 2012, the Vera Institute of Justice found that the aggregate cost of prisons maintained in 40 states (not all 50 or any U.S. territories) was $39 billion. Alexander Crisostomo was ordered to stand trial as an adult for killing a 41-year-old man when he was just 15. Juvenile courts do not offer records that provide an explicit proof of lenience that is based on age, but the sentences offered to kids that are comparable to adult crimes suggest that this is a conclusion one could draw from the data. Sentencing guidelines are a system of recommended sentences based upon offense and offender characteristics. Most parents and educators support mandatory school uniforms. Truth-in-sentencing has been around for decades, among measures such as mandatory minimums and the three strike law that fall under the get-tough-on-crime umbrella. School uniforms, by design, limit diversity within the learning environment. Help Create Uniformity. But in practice, the sausage factory that is the American criminal justice system focuses not on equal inputs or fair processes but on uniform . Nevertheless, it is uncertain if harsh prison terms have a deterrent effect. The key findings used to tout the benefits of uniforms are questionable. Many schools throughout the country have started using dress codes in recent years as a way to hopefully promote equality among students and improve academic success. The Pros And Cons Of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws 811 Words | 4 Pages. It is believed that mandatory minimum sentences can help law enforcers move up the organized crime chain of command, but the accuracy of information they are receiving might be questionable. Net Neutrality. 12.43 (Vernon 2010 . They would effectively shift discretion from judges to prosecutors. With mandatory minimum sentencing, there is a guarantee that judgments will be uniform throughout the justice system, so offenders will be punished based upon their overall moral culpability. School uniforms emphasize the socio-economic divisions they are supposed to eliminate. It can be used to target specific groups of people. "ProCon: "Should Students Have to Wear School Uniforms? What Is the Difference Between Uniforms and a Dress Code?. 00:0000:00. Polo shirts or blouses, usually in plain colors like white and/or the colors of the school, Blazers, worn for more formal occasions (such as Mass at Catholic schools), Sweatshirts or some other form of sweater with the school's name or logo. This eliminates the anxiety between the conviction and sentencing phases of a trial and lets the court proceed in a quicker manner. They Can Be Expensive for Parents. 1. The reality of this crime scene is that Jasmine Richardson killed her parents and brother, stabbing the young boy in the chest while her boyfriend slit his throat. Pa. Cons. Schools that use dress codes might have students wear pants of the same or similar color, but they don't necessarily have to be the same brand or style. Log in. Contrast an indeterminate sentence with a determinate sentence. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Schools that use uniforms argue that they: Some argue that the cons of school uniforms outweigh the pros.