1. A Report of the NCSL Sentencing and Corrections Work Group. School uniforms may deter crime and increase student safety. Though they often include some options, such as pants or shorts for boys and skirts, pants, or shorts for girls, they are generally all the same color.. Students legal right to free expression remains intact even with mandatory school uniforms. The problem with individualized sentencing is that bias can affect the process. She was given clemency in 2019 after serving 15 years in prison for the crime. 8. Do School Uniforms Make a Difference? The Pros And Cons Of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws 811 Words | 4 Pages. In 2016, approximately 9% of the known juvenile homicide offenders were under the age of 15. american. School uniforms make getting ready for school easier, which can improve punctuality. If inmates are constantly well behaved, they are much more likely to be eligible for early release. The federal Sentencing Guidelines play a large role in the judge's decision-making process. Issues such as security and safety, uniformity, and promoting togetherness or unity as benefits. The prison serves as an institution where the criminal spends punishment time; however, there is constant debate on whether tougher sentencing is an effective deterrent for crimes or an unnecessary expense that burdens the citizens. What Are Federal Sentencing Guidelines? It is important to note that any judicial system can have flaws and imperfections. Tens of millions of dollars could be freed up if individualized sentencing across all crime would be instituted. According to figures released in 2018 by the National Center for Education Statistics, the total number of public schools nationwide requiring students to wear school uniforms increased from 12% during the 1999-2000 school year to 21% during the 2015-2016 school year. These cumbersome standards (and cumbersome clothes) eventually became more relaxed, though. Mandatory uniforms were far more prevalent in high-poverty schools (in which 76% of students were eligible for reduced-cost or free lunch programs) than in low-poverty schools. Prosecutors charged her with first-degree intentional homicide. List of Cons of Mandatory Sentencing. List of the Pros of Trying Juveniles as Adults. Here are some key ideas you can incorporate in the body of your essay: Explain the essence of having school uniforms on students, teachers, and learning institutions. Some argue that the cons of school uniforms outweigh the pros. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. It provides the community with an opportunity to have a say in the process. Con: There are many reasons against wearing school uniforms. Determinate Sentencing: Definition, Pros & Cons. They shift the personal bias in trials. But with mandatory sentencing, uniform sentences are guaranteed throughout the justice system, so offenders will be punished based upon their overall moral culpability. Judges sentence based on the recommendations of a jury, a plea agreement, or a bench trial. Cell Phone Radiation. Some mandatory minimum sentencing laws have been implemented to control the amount of ammunition that can be held in a clip, even if the gun is not used in the commission of a crime. Kalief Browder was 22 years old when he eventually committed suicide in June 2015. Either rich or poor wear the same uniform. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Judges who work in the juvenile justice system have multiple options available to them when sentencing children who commit a crime. By removing the possibility of leniency, it can be argued that such laws can lead to cases where some offenders receive overly harsh punishments, and others receive punishments that do not truly fit the crime. That placed the average taxpayer cost per inmate care at over $31,000 per year. The judge decided to hand out a sentence of 30 days anyway. This ranking is typically based on how the . It treats teens who are almost adults as part of the adult system for the purpose of justice. This eliminates the anxiety between the conviction and sentencing phases of a trial and lets the court proceed in a quicker manner. Because of the severe sentencing guidelines that are required by a mandatory sentence, it can reduce crime levels in all targeted categories. Most of the mandatory minimum sentencing laws in the United States involve drug possession, drug distribution, and similar criminal conduct. For example, the person's criminal past and behavior in prison determine the length of prison time the inmate needs for rehabilitation. In some cases, it creates unjust sentences What Are the Pros and Cons of School Uniforms? and LL.M. Indeterminate sentencing used to be the rule in every state and for the federal courts as well. A jury may also exercise the sentencing guidelines are usually imposed by the judge in most cases, but sentencing or it can be mandated by a statue; such as, mandatory prison sentence for certain crimes. It was as early as 1899 when the United States began creating the first courts for youth offenders. strengths and . Sentencing used to be in the hands of a jury or judge, but with mandatory sentencing, a guilty verdict would mean that prosecutors are given more control of the sentence the offenders would receive. When juveniles are with adults in the justice system, then their rates begin to climb to match those of the older offenders. Debates about whether or not school uniforms make a difference in students' learning experiences persist, though, with many proposed pros and cons., School uniforms are a standard form of dress set by an academic institution. Here are some examples. Create an account to start this course today. There are other parental rights which may disappear in this situation as well, further limiting the way the legal system can attempt to make things right. 9. School uniforms keep students focused on their education, not their clothes. 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. By Hiller B. Zobel Hiller B. Zobel is an associate justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court. Pages: 3 (677 words) Pros and Cons School Uniform Pages: 5 (1416 words) Pros and Cons of Four Day School Week Pages: 3 (806 words) Pros and Cons of a Military School Pages: 2 (550 words) Pros and cons of school uniform Pages: 4 . High Prison Cost. Sentencing them as an adult gives the justice system the time it needs to offer a true chance at rehabilitation. By knowing that a drug offense may carry a standard 10 year sentence if found guilty, it can persuade people who are sitting on the fence about a choice to decide to follow the law instead of break it. I feel like its a lifeline. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. The justice system uses the prison system as the main means to punish offenders of the law. It may limit the concept of diversity to the student body. One of the first records of school uniforms was made in 1222, when the Archbishop of Canterbury made a rule that students had to wear a robe-like outfit called a "cappa clausa." In the quest to achieve justice, it is very possible to lose sight of it. Instead of dealing with personal bias, everyone has the same playing field in the justice system and can make decisions that they feel are best for themselves, their communities, or society in general. One of the many benefits of wearing school uniforms for children is that they create a sense of identity and unity among school students. There are many benefits of school uniforms that parents, teachers, and students often agree on. By requiring a judge to hand out a mandated punishment for a crime, their role becomes quite limited. 2. She told authorities that she was afraid that she would get into trouble. 4. The objective of mandatory minimum sentences is making the consequences of committing crimes less beneficial than the perceived rewards. The goal of mandatory sentencing is definitely worthwhile to achieve, and if we are willing to take its pros and cons together and find a middle ground, then we can make its guidelines to have common sense areas of exceptions so justice can always be served. The law also set up a 100-to-1 sentencing ratio for crack cocaine versus powder cocaine offenses. Mandatory minimum sentences can surely be unjust. The judge had sentenced him under the Colorado Sex Offenders Act, which provided a term between one day to life. She has always maintained that her actions were in self-defense because the man she killed had purchased her for sex. Even though they are juveniles because of their age, people under the age of 18 can commit severe crimes. 2. For the 10-year-old girl in Wisconsin who is accused of committing first-degree homicide, it is a Class A felony which can be sentenced to only life imprisonment. Determinate Sentencing Pros and Cons. That means the judge is responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the juvenile, and what their sentence should be for their crime. Uniforms limit closet space. 4. Uniforms may have a detrimental effect on students self-image. They help eliminate personal bias. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. December 19, 1984. The key findings used to tout the benefits of uniforms are questionable. She was offered a deal of 2 years in prison, but plead guilty instead because she felt that having no prior convictions and only a small amount of marijuana would be extenuating circumstances. Intro to Criminal Justice: Help and Review, The Sentencing Process in Criminal Justice: Help and Review, Intermediate Sanctions: Definition, Types, Pros & Cons, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Indeterminate Sentencing vs. Determinate Sentencing, Introduction to Crime & Criminology: Help and Review, The Criminal Justice Field: Help and Review, Criminal Justice Agencies in the U.S.: Help and Review, Law Enforcement in the U.S.: Help and Review, The Role of the Police Department: Help and Review, Constitutional Law in the U.S.: Help and Review, Criminal Law in the U.S.: Help and Review, The Criminal Trial in the U.S. Justice System: Help and Review, Types & Goals of Contemporary Criminal Sentencing, Traditional & Alternative Criminal Sentencing Options, Structured Criminal Sentencing: Definition, Types & Models, Indeterminate Criminal Sentencing: Definition, Purpose & Advantages, Intermediate Sanctions: Definition, Purpose & Advantages, Arguments For and Against Capital Punishment, Sentencing Issues and Trends in the U.S. Justice System, What is Extradition? For such kind of sentencing to be given, many factors are taken into account, rather than the crime alone. Its also important to note that mandatory sentencing laws vary from place to place, and that what works in one region might not work in another. 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. Some crimes may offer an option for parole, allowing those who wish to rehabilitate themselves to have a second chance at safely joining the general population once again. Then there are some judges that do not. 4. When children wear a similar uniform daily, they will have a similar identity and they won't compete over who wears expensive or fashionable clothes. In theory, egalitarian sentencing could fo-cus on equalizing inputs or processes that determine punishment. Though, the judge felt it was irrational and unjust. Amit Kalantri, (author) Wealth of Words . Some of the reason offered to support school uniforms are the following: Preventing gang colors, etc. They are instead subjected to an environment where adult offenders become their teachers and idols, which can often lead to an ongoing cycle of crime. The Federal Juvenile Delinquency Act provides rules and procedures for local and state courts to follow when working with juvenile offenders, but each state imposes additional requirements. 1. There are untreated mental illnesses to consider, limited experiences in managing anxiety or trauma, and impulsive actions that are related more to biological development than logical outcomes. One particular part of the criminal justice system is mandatory minimum sentencing, which has become hot subject at the heart of the need to reduce the incentive of committing crimes and racial inequality. Before deciding whether or not mandatory sentencing should be adopted in a certain country or region, its essential to take a deep dive into the situation and assess its effectiveness. It is easy to spot a student in uniform. Although there . School uniforms, by design, limit diversity within the learning environment. When Long Beach, CA, required all students in grades K-8 to wear uniforms, reports of assault and battery decreased by 34%. They stop unjust sentencing practices. There is a need to protect the general population against violent actions. 2. Make laundry less of a hassle for parents. They can be unjust. 42, 2154.2 (Purdon 2010) Tex. When 9-year-old Cameron Kocher fired a rifle out of a window, accidentally striking his 7-year-old neighbor who was riding a snowmobile, that may not be the case. 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. In the United States, it is still a mandatory minimum sentence for serious crimes, like treason. It is the Eighth Amendment, the constitutional clause . 6. It creates a level of certainty in the justice system for victims. In the US, 300 million people are having their unique opinions on certain subjects. 1. In later centuries, this practice became associated with the upper class, and boys at prestigious schools would wear very formal coats with button-up shirts and top hats. This is true in the justice system just as much as it is with any other state matter. Students can express their individuality in school uniforms by introducing variations and adding accessories. 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. A parole board cannot review determinate sentencing, as the judge gives the final ruling. When a student wears a school uniform, they go to school with a study mindset. For mandatory sentencing, it helps create a standard of justice that can be applied equally to all parties that are charged with similar crimes. They argue that: Uniforms are usually a standard set of clothes chosen by schools. In one occasion, a desperate mother of four was once paid USD100 to mail an unknown package to someone that contained hundreds of grams of crack cocaine, and the judge sentenced her to 10 years in prison, as the law dictated what had to be done even though the judge felt it unjust and irrational. 31. It removes the authority a judge has for sentencing discretion because it treats every convicted person in the same way. 5. Two weeks later, she sold another $20 worth of marijuana to the same informant. In addition, a parole board can be discriminatory in its decisions. Student Safety. - Definition, Laws & Example, Concurrent Sentence in Law: Definition & Example, Determinate Sentencing: Definition, Pros & Cons, Indeterminate Sentencing: Definition, Pros & Cons, Interstate Compact Agreement: Definition & Rules, Lethal Injection: Definition, History & Procedure, Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Laws, History, Pros & Cons, Plea Bargain: Definition, Process, Pros & Cons, What Is a Life Sentence? GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) Dakota Access Oil Pipeline (archived 10/7/20) tit. Encourage discipline and set clearly defined rules. Ten Days That Vanished: The Switch to the Gregorian Calendar, https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-school-uniforms. When you're writing a pros and cons essay, you must follow two important guidelines. It is not always used for violent crime. It triggers a shift in personal bias. That represents about 7% of all the known murder offenders which are in the country. 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. The following are some of the pros of indeterminate sentencing; On the other hand, indeterminate sentencing also has its downside; There are several examples of indeterminate sentencing in the U.S justice system. 7. While the judge determines the minimum time the defendant may serve, a parole board determines their release date. It is a process which seems to disproportionally target minority demographics. They do not experience future orientation in the same way that adults do. We also have a responsibility as a society to give our children a fighting chance for success. Net Neutrality. For instance, the convicted person may be issued 20 years to life. Uniform sentencing. This article was published on May 3, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. definitions. They reduce time spent shopping, as well as money spent buying clothes, and eliminate bullying based on dress and appearance. Although it does not happen often, young children sometimes decide to commit premeditated crimes, including homicide, and the criminal justice system must respond appropriately. Any decision has its own set of pros and cons. There is very little wiggle room in these guidelines to address juveniles who are charged as an adult. They can lead to a decrease in crime. "Vittana: "10 Pros and Cons of School Uniforms.". In 2015-2016, 25% of public primary schools enforced a uniform policy, as did 20% of public middle schools and 12% of public high schools. british. School uniforms restrict students freedom of expression. 1. It encourages an environment where coercion exists. School uniforms create a level playing field among students, reducing peer pressure and bullying. 2. Indeterminate sentencing is a type of prison sentence that is subject to review by a parole board. Erases Cultural Differences. "Uniform of a soldier and uniform of a student both are equally needed for the nation.". 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. Most states in the United States practice indeterminate sentencing, apart from a few, such as Alaska, Maine, Minnesota, and New Jersey, which adopted determinate sentencing laws. The study found that community based sanctions . They have to behave while in prison and show that they are rehabilitated enough to rejoin society. balancing sentencing policy with limited correctional resources. There are differences between determinate and indeterminate sentencing, starting with the definitions. 8. Mandatory drug sentencing laws came about in the 1980s in the height of the War on Drugs.The seizure of 3,906 pounds of cocaine, valued then at over $100 million wholesale, from a Miami International Airport hangar on March 9, 1982, brought about the public's awareness of the Medellin Cartel, Colombian drug traffickers working together, and changed U.S. law . These are the key points to consider. They argue that retribution or "an eye for an eye . Among the US cities with the highest use of school uniforms in public schools are Philadelphia (100% of schools), New Orleans (95%), Cleveland (85%), Chicago (80%), Boston (65%), and Miami (60%). Instead of being an actual judge, mandatory minimum sentences turn them into an administrator. The defendant appealed after serving 37 years for a crime that carried a maximum sentence of 24 years. She asked her 9-year-old son for some change, since the transaction occurred at her home. Schools that use uniforms argue that they: Some argue that the cons of school uniforms outweigh the pros. Up until the 1960s, capital punishment was a mandatory minimum sentence for murder. Keeping a child in school uniforms may be more expensive for parents and guardians than buying regular clothes would be. 25% of the people who were sentenced to life in prison as a juvenile have no possibility of parole. For those unfamiliar with the concept, mandatory sentencing refers to laws that impose a fixed punishment for certain crimes, regardless of mitigating factors such as an offenders age, criminal history, or the circumstances of the crime. According to the law, the parole board is allowed to grant parole on the condition that; When the prisoner is eligible, the inmate will get a parole hearing and, if granted the parole, will be released to rejoin society. Monkey Business Images/Dreamstime.com. I think librarians should really weigh . School uniforms in the United States followed the traditional use of uniforms established in England and were generally limited to private and parochial schools. Indeterminate sentencing is a justice system structure where an offender is granted a prison sentence with a range, such as two to five years. The four largest cons of wearing school uniforms are: 1. The juvenile system focuses on providing youth offenders with counseling, vocational development, and school access which allows them to continue with their studies. The offender is only released if the parole board approves them. Every year, millions of people in the US go through its criminal justice system. The standard sentence is handed down, no matter who that person is, what race they are, or what religion they follow. 3. It creates a lifetime of negative impacts for the child because they have multiple obstacles in their way to create the change that is necessary assuming that they are not serving multiple decades in prison for their crime in the first place.