The issues that will be discussed in this course will at times be controversial. Our goal is to experience a robust discussion of the issues, understanding that we will be presented with a range of viewpoints.

To begin, we will define some of the key areas that we will visit throughout the course.
•Should all criminals be given the same sentence for the same crime? Or should each offender's personal characteristics be taken into account? If you agree with the latter, provide an example to illustrate.
•Does crime serve any positive function for society? Identify five industries or companies that benefit from crime. Try to come up with examples that have not been mentioned by other students. Is it morally acceptable for a legitimate business to profit because of crime?
•Do you think it is permissible for the state to investigate and even prosecute a person who has not yet committed a crime, based on the belief that he will do so in the future?

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Paper Instructions:

The United Nations has identified eighteen different transnational crimes, and each of them in some way falls into the three-part typology of organized crime (provision of illicit services, illicit goods, or infiltration of business). The eighteen transnational crimes are: money laundering, terrorist activities, theft of art and cultural objects, theft of intellectual property, illicit arms trafficking, aircraft hijacking, sea piracy, insurance fraud, computer crime, environmental crime, trafficking in persons, trade in human body parts, illicit drug trafficking, fraudulent bankruptcy, infiltration of legal business, corruption, and bribery of public officials.
•Choose any of the eighteen transnational crimes listed above and address the following points:
◦What is the definition of the crime you chose?
◦What is known about its true extent?
◦Where is it occurring (places around the world)?
◦Who appear to be the offenders in cases involving this crime?
◦What are the legal measures that can be taken to reduce this crime?
◦Are there other, non-legal measures that can reduce its incidence?
•What are the causes of this crime? Why does it exist as a "transnational crime" rather than a domestic one?

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Paper Instructions:

Barnes and Organized Crime

During the 1970s, the "Black Mafia," was said to have controlled thirty percent of the illegal narcotics trade (mostly heroin and cocaine) in the black neighborhoods of major east coast cities. A leader of this type of organized crime group was Leroy "Nicky" Barnes, a gangster in the Harlem area of New York City.

Research Barnes’ history and operation, paying particular attention to the relationship between Barnes and his environment. Create a 4- to 5-page report in Microsoft Word document, expressing your views and address the points listed below. Utilize terminology from the course and explain your reasoning wherever possible. For your research, please use the Internet. 

Your write-up should include answers to the following:
•Provide a summary of Barnes' activities relating to organized crime, including the following:
◦What specific organized crimes did Nicky Barnes engage in?
◦Provide a review of the methods he employed—how were they different from other groups engaged in the same crimes?
◦How did Barnes' two stints in prison affect the development of his organization?
◦What unusual steps did Barnes take to guard against theft by his employees?
•How does Barnes fit into the general typologies of organized crimes and organized criminals?
•Why was the community so tolerant of Barnes' activities and operations?
•Describe the structure of Barnes' operation. He employed many people–how were they organized? What was Barnes' role?
•Barnes' organizational skills may have been useful in a legitimate business—why didn't he apply his skills in a legitimate business? Support your responses with examples.

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Paper Instructions:

Impact of international terrorism on security for world class venue

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Gang Enforcement Efforts Underway In Your Organization or Community

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The Role of Females in a Gang Structure

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Capital Punishment: It is morally acceptable to use capital punishment as a justified means of sentencing

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Paper Instructions:

Albert is a short-order chef and has always dreamed of owning his own burger joint. After years of waiting, the opportunity arrived when he heard that Burgers-R-Us, a national fast food chain, was planning to open a franchise in his town of Freedonia Heights, in the state of New Freedonia.

After several months of negotiations, Albert has signed a contract with Burgers-R-Us, and is now the proud franchisee of a store that is scheduled to open on the second Friday in January.

In preparation for the opening, Burgers-R-Us has furnished Albert’s store with kitchen equipment, tables and seating, lighting and signage for inside and outside the store. Albert has purchased aprons, hats and latex gloves ($3,347.68) for his staff and “Grand Opening” banners for outside ($1,026.59). He placed advertisements in the local Pennysaver magazine and in the Heights Gazette to hire cooks, cashiers, waiters and cleaning staff ($1,375); the ads are running for four consecutive weeks. He hasn’t hired anyone yet, but has interviewed several potential candidates. Albert also gave BRU a deposit of $17,000 to secure his rights.

In consultation with his accountant, Albert has projected that in his first six months, he will have an operating loss of $23,000, but that by the end of his first year he will show operating profits of $78,000 for the year and that he will be profitable each year thereafter. These estimates are based on what Albert has been able to find in newspaper articles for other types of franchises in other cities. He has no specific numbers relating to his own franchise.

Six weeks prior to the scheduled grand opening, Burgers-R-Us notifies Albert that new market research has shown that the franchise is not likely to be successful in Freedonia Heights and the franchise contract is hereby cancelled. Outraged, Albert sues Burgers-R-Us in New Freedonia state court for breach of contract.

Discuss what types of contract damages Albert may claim, which types is he likely to be awarded and what amounts he is likely to be awarded. Be sure to thoroughly explain your answers.

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Paper Instructions:

The Congressman for whom you work is considering pushing for a new President's Commission on Organized Crime. He has asked you to prepare an 8- to 10-slide Microsoft PowerPoint presentation reviewing the 1967 and 1987 Commission Reports and what can be learned from them.

Compare the conclusions of the 1967 and the 1987 President's Commissions on Organized Crime. Pay particular attention to the specific crimes that each Commission determined were the primary sources of income for American organized crime groups. The presentation should address these points:
•What role does money laundering play in organized crime? What implications does this have on law enforcement?
•Comparing the two reports, what can you conclude about how the business of organized crime has changed over the years? What has caused these changes? (Law enforcement? Societal factors? Or something else?)
•If there were to be a new Commission report compiled today, what would it say about today's organized crime?
•How has the ethnic makeup of American organized crime groups changed in recent years? Have certain groups dropped out of the picture? Have others taken their place?

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Paper Instructions:

Trends in Capital Punishment

One of the most controversial and current issues in criminal justice is capital punishment.

As of December, 2016, thirty-two states and the Federal government allow the use of the death penalty. Since 2007, four states have abolished the death penalty, and the rate of executions in the states that allow it has slowed dramatically. Several states have bills pending that have the potential to end or limit the use of capital punishment in those states.

Prepare a 4- to 5-page report in a Microsoft Word document on the death penalty that covers the following points:
•Illinois is one of the states that recently abolished the death penalty. Prior to making the change in the law, the governor had simply stopped signing death warrants. For what reason did the governor decide to stop approving executions? Was his reason valid? Explain your reasoning.
•Describe the "Innocence Project," including its goals and procedures. Is this group effective?
•Consider the 2002 and 2005 Supreme Court cases of Roper v. Simmons and Atkins v. Virginia. Do these decisions indicate a trend? What can you surmise about future challenges to the death penalty, based on the current Court's recent decisions?

Last, summarize the case of Stanley "Tookie" Williams:
•What were his crimes?
•Why his execution was considered controversial?

After analyzing the case, indicate whether you support the decision to execute Williams and explain your reasoning.

Support your responses with examples.

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Paper Instructions:

The Khalil Case

Michael Khalil was national president of the Avengers Motorcycle Club (AMC), an organization with local chapters in several states. He was convicted of conspiring to conduct the affairs of an organization through a pattern of racketeering, attempting to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering, and two counts of distributing marijuana.

There was evidence that, at Khalil's direction, the club planned violence against a rival motorcycle club, the Iron Coffins, whose members frequented locals bars in a county where AMC also had a chapter.

Research the Khalil case and review the Federal RICO statute. Please use "Avengers motorcycle Khalil" to successfully search details of the case.

In the discussion area:
•Summarize the methods used by the FBI to infiltrate the AMC and gather evidence of Khalil's crimes. Describe what is the purpose of the RICO section of the federal racketeering law?
•Describe what is the purpose of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) section of the federal racketeering law.
•In your opinion, was there enough evidence to prosecute Khalil under RICO?
•What argument should Khalil make in his defense against a racketeering charge?
•Why are undercover agents used infrequently in organized crime cases?

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Paper Instructions:

Punishment

This week's discussion will continue in the area of punishment, and will look at two very controversial topics:

First, consider the idea of conjugal visits for prisoners. Some states allow inmates private visitation time with their spouses.

Imagine that you are the warden of a prison that, at present, does not allow conjugal visits for prisoners. You are considering adopting this procedure.
•What data would you need to gather in order to make an informed decision? After looking at the research, what would you decide? Explain your reasoning.
•Explain what possible opposition could you face, and whether these programs have disadvantages.

Next, consider the case of Dean Claude Odermatt. His conviction for sexual battery on a child carried with it a sentence that includes 25 years in prison and chemical castration upon his release.
•Is chemical castration an effective sentence for sex offenders such as Odermatt? Only a small number of states allow chemical or surgical castration as punishment. Do you support laws like this?