1. Explain in detail the 12 characteristics of organized crime. Explain how these characteristics differentiate organized crime from other types of crime.
2. Explain two social factors that contribute to the existence of human trafficking aka modern slavery. Explain why some nations are at a greater risk for this human rights violation.
3. Go to: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Under topics (far left) click on Wildlife and Forest Crime. Explain the major objectives, the activities and the need for legislative policies to combat crime in this area on an international level. Describe one program that attempts to alleviate the nature and scope in this area.
4. Piracy and marine fraud is a multibillion dollar a year industry (recent past). What present solutions are in place to control and prevent modern day piracy?
5. The black market for illegal drugs account for great profits for those engaged in this type of criminal activity. The social, political, economic and justice concerns are exacerbated because of this. Are dollars best spent on interdiction of the drugs between nations/ports of entry, or education/prevention, or rehabilitation? Go to: Interpol website (specifically - crime), review the information listed under drugs for additional insight.
6. Go to: http://www.carnegieendowment.org. As stated on the home page: The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the United States. Founded in 1910, its work is nonpartisan and dedicated to achieving practical results. Review and report on the mission of this organization. Select one news worthy area in which this organization is attempting to continue its mission in present time.
7. Sharia law influences the legal code in most Muslim countries. This law allows Sharia to govern regulations pertaining to relationships (marriage/divorce/inheritance), social obligations, criminal activity etc. Can Sharia exist side by side with secularism and democracy? Explain your response.
8. Between 1928 and 1943, Japan used a jury system for deliberation in criminal cases. The format used consisted of male jurors over the age of 30 years. The verdict was determined by a simple majority vote. During its fifteen year existence, only 484 cases were tried by the jury system. Defendants in more than 25,000 serious cases waived their rights to a jury trial.
In May of 2009, Japan implemented the SAIBAN-IN system which added lay judges (selected from voter registration) to the Japanese courts. Sitting with professional judges, the SAIBAN-IN (citizen judge) hears testimony from witnesses, examines evidence and determines sentencing in the most serious cases. Each member of the panel has one vote and decisions are based on majority vote. Summarize the similarities and differences in the selection process used for American jurors and the Japanese SAIBAN-IN.
9. Compare/contrast the prison system in Germany with the prison system in Saudi Arabia. Review the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Textbook - Comparative Criminal Justice Systems fourth edition by Harry R. Dammer and Jay S. Albanese.