Observing Crime Control

‘Evolution is defined as the process of formation or growth that is a gradual development’ and a positive quality of which I like to believe, we as individuals and societies strive to accomplish, overcome the old and engender the new, towards a better world. Do our social laws evolve too?

Societies that allow for practice and protection of freedoms and rights are a privilege that we share, practice and respect amongst each other. Well, at least make the effort, even if grudgingly. We therefore learn to live harmoniously and peacefully as neighbors and may become friends and welcome guests in each other’s homes.

History has shown us that crime has and is a persistent problem in society. Crime is considered a violation of criminal law and a trial will determine if a crime has been committed and the definition of a particular law. Unfortunately, there is a big difference between ‘law on the books’ and ‘law in action ’ as pointed out by Roscoe Pound. This refers to what criminal law says and what the police (and courts ) actually do, are often very different practices altogether. Should this be considered a legal act?

Age of criminality is said to peak during the teenage years and taper off upon reaching their twenties and continue to decline further. ‘Studies have consistently shown that blacks are far more likely to be arrested, indicted and imprisoned than whites, who committed the same offences (Crime, Race and Justice).’ Early days of criminologists set out to soften the cruel methods of punishment used by kings and emperors while simultaneously protect their own privileged positions.

Crime was considered to be a product of depravity prompted by the Devil. Violent crimes against people such as murder, rape and assault incite outrage with most citizens of democratic societies and demand for stricter measures of delivering justice, be set in place. Yet, the science of psychology shows us that children and teenagers are not always as mature, in comparison to an adult.

Teenagers are all around us and we view them as ‘young’ and may smile at the potential they may or will exhibit, as adults. Fear of growing crime rates has us worrying about our personal and property safety so we elect politicians, who excite this very fear, to address the problem. Today, in the United States, there are prisoners sentenced to life, for crimes committed as teenagers from a not-too-distant past. Is this a truly fair practice, one can be proud?

The process of creating, enforcing and repeal of criminal laws are a political process and requires use of fair judgement in determining guilt or punishment with use of wisdom, sensitivity and sense of balance . I must ask if this process is enough in today’s society. Common sense tells us immediately the difference of right and wrong and living by the quote, ‘eye for an eye’ is not always acceptable. We admire the officer who gives a lecture to the teenager about crime and lets him or her go but what about a judge, who delivers the harshest and/or unreasonable sentence? What would be the long term effects if a group of peers, consisting of ordinary citizens, were involved with the process? Would you participate?

A law that was passed in Canada regarding destruction or vandalism of property by a young offender requires the parent to take responsibility and pay for damages. It met resistance but statistics may show something else. As a parent myself, I taught my own children about the importance of laws in our own society and the consequences, ( least the best of my own knowledge) but not all parents are the same. Where or how else can our children learn about law and crime?

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Article(C)2010 Dame Scribe, all rights reserved. Dame Scribe creates articles and posts online. She creates articles on business skills & development, health, science, technology and society and has a strong passion for writing.