Assignment

Please make ensure all the work is original on answering the discussion questions below.

Drugs, Gangs & Organized Crime

• "Developmental Theories and Common Misconceptions"

• Developmental theories have achieved widespread acceptance because they explain onset; escalation; course maintenance; de-escalation; desistance in individuals' delinquent and criminal careers. Developmental models help to map the offense-based pathway to gang involvement. The developmental framework, in a simplified manner, depicts key stepping-stones in the gang member pathway. Using this week's reading from your textbook, determine three key propositions of developmental or life-course theories that you find most relevant to the onset of adolescence criminal groups. Next suggest two ways for each of your selected key propositions of development or life-course theories that we can use to alter the outcomes of the gang member pathways to reduce gang activity.

• Using the Internet, databases, and your textbook propose four common misperceptions about gang involvement, persistence, and desistence that can be debunked. Next, of the four misconceptions you proposed which debunked misconception surprised you the most. Justify your response.

Forensic Psychology

"Importance of the Jury" Please respond to the following:

• Discuss two emotions that the symbol of Justitia (in Figure 7.1 in Chapter 7 of your textbook) invokes in you regarding the notion of justice. Support or criticize the common statement "justice is blind." Justify your position.

• Use the Internet or Library to research one case in which a grand jury was convened from your home state, and one case in which a petit jury was convened from your home state. Next, explain the major distinctions between the two cases you chose. Finally, compare and contrast the fundamental differences in size and function between a grand jury and a petit jury.