Prison Term Policy Recommendation Proposal

1st Assignment

Choose a criminal offender who committed crimes due to a biological reason.

Write a 1,400- to 2,100-word paper discussing the genetic or physiological evidence that supports the notion that biology played a key role in explaining the offender's criminality.

Research the behaviors that constitute psychopathy. Discuss in detail the specific behaviors demonstrated by the offender that align with behaviors indicative of a psychopathic individual. Case examples include the following:

Andrea Yates and the documented evidence of psychiatric issues, including post-partum depression, prior to the murders of her five children
Charles Whitman, known as the Texas Tower Sniper, and the presence of a tumor discovered post-mortem alleged to have played a role in his overt acts of aggression

John Hinckley, Jr. and the documented evidence of psychiatric issues leading to his controversial insanity defense in the shooting of President Ronald Reagan

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

2nd Assignments

View the Classical School of Thought in Criminology interactive learning module located in Criminology in the 21st Century.

Imagine the following scenario:

You are working in the bureau of the state's department of corrections responsible for the facilities in the state prison system.

A bill is working its way through the Criminal Justice Policy committee of the state legislature. If it passes, it would double the maximum prison term for anyone convicted of armed robbery.

However, your state is under a Federal Court Order to maintain or reduce the number of inmates being held on felony convictions.

Consider policy making as it relates to criminal offenses. What recommendations would you make? What are the reasons for your recommendations?

Is this a good bill or a bad bill? Is this bill effective?

Discuss the following in your collaborative group:

Objectives of the bill

Goals of the bill

Possible solutions for the bill

Justification for why the bill should be approved or not.

What recommendations would you make to the state's department of corrections, regarding the expected increase of incarcerated individuals, due to the passage of this bill?

Prepare a 700-word paper summarizing your group's discussion and findings.