Considering our course exploration of Corrections, answer the following questions and provide an analysis:

In general, what is the criminal justice system’s current approach to sentencing?
Do you believe our current approach to sentencing and corrections is successful? Why or why not? (Be sure to find outside research to support your position!)
Do you believe we need a new paradigm for sentencing and corrections? Why or why not?
What specific alternative(s) exist relative to our current approach to sentencing and corrections?

Your ppr should be 4-5 pges.This requires outside sources in addition to our text, as well as Scripture, all of which should be documented in APA format.

Guideline — step-by-step to write the 4–5 page paper

Purpose: Answer the questions below with evidence and analysis, include at least several outside scholarly sources plus Scripture, all in APA format.

Questions to address (explicitly in your paper):

In general, what is the criminal justice system’s current approach to sentencing?
Is the current approach successful? Why or why not? (support position with outside research)
Do we need a new paradigm for sentencing and corrections? Why or why not?
What specific alternatives exist relative to the current approach?

Recommended paper structure (4–5 pages ≈ 1200–1500 words)

Title page (APA) — not counted in page total.

Introduction (≈ 1 paragraph — 100–150 words)

Briefly introduce the topic and stakes (mass incarceration, public safety, cost, recidivism).
Present a concise thesis statement that answers whether the current approach succeeds and whether change is needed.

Background / Current Approach to Sentencing (≈ 1 page — 300–350 words)

Describe dominant features of current U.S. sentencing: determinate vs. indeterminate, mandatory minimums, three-strikes, emphasis on incarceration and punishment, sentencing guidelines, parole reductions.
Present brief stats/landscape: incarceration rates, growth since 1970s/1980s, fiscal costs.

Evaluation: Is the current approach successful? (≈ 1 page — 300–350 words)

Define “successful” (public safety, reduced recidivism, fairness, cost-efficiency, rehabilitation).
Summarize research findings: recidivism trends, deterrence evidence (or lack), racial disparities, collateral consequences.
Use at least two peer-reviewed/credible sources to support your argument.

Need for a new paradigm? (≈ ½ page — 150–200 words)

Argue for/against paradigm change based on the evaluation.
If yes: outline the goals a new paradigm must meet (reduce recidivism, equity, rehabilitation, cost-effectiveness).

Specific Alternatives (≈ 1 page — 300–350 words)

Describe alternatives and evidence supporting them:
- Restorative justice (victim–offender mediation, community reparative boards).
- Diversion programs / drug courts / mental-health courts.
- Community-based supervision and reentry programs (housing, employment supports, cognitive-behavioral therapy).
- Evidence-based sentencing (risk-needs-responsivity, graduated sanctions).
- Sentencing reforms (rolling back mandatory minimums, alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenses).
For each, briefly state evidence of effectiveness (studies showing reduced recidivism or cost savings).

Integration of Scripture & Moral/Theological Reflection (≈ ½ page — 150–200 words)

Select 1–3 scriptural passages that inform justice, mercy, restoration, and civic order. Briefly reflect on how these passages shape your view of punishment vs. rehabilitation. (See suggested Scriptures below.)

Conclusion (≈ 1 paragraph — 100–150 words)

Summarize your position and policy recommendations.
Reiterate why the recommended alternatives better meet public safety, fairness, and moral obligations.

Reference list (APA) — not counted in page total.

Sources & research suggestions (use at least 3–4 outside sources)

Scholarly / policy sources (recommended):

National Research Council. (2014). The Growth of Incarceration in the United States: Exploring Causes and Consequences. (Comprehensive review; useful for background).
The Sentencing Project. (Recent reports on mass incarceration, racial disparities).
Cullen, F. T., & Jonson, C. L. (2017). Correctional Theory: Context and Consequences or other peer-reviewed articles on rehabilitation.
Nagin, D. S. (2013). Deterrence in the Twenty-First Century (Annual Review of Economics/Criminology) — for deterrence evidence.
Evidence on alternatives: meta-analyses on drug courts, restorative justice (e.g., Sherman & Strang, 2007).

Practical/credible sources:

Pew Charitable Trusts (criminal justice research)
U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (incarceration/recidivism data)
RAND Corporation (evaluations of programs)

(When you use these, cite in-text per APA and include full references.)

Scripture options (choose 1–3 to reference)

Romans 13:1–4 — role of governing authorities and punishment.
Micah 6:8 — “act justly, love mercy, walk humbly” — useful for balancing justice and mercy.
Matthew 25:36 — care for prisoners (compassion/responsibility).
Luke 4:18 — ministry to the oppressed, rehabilitation theme.
Use Scripture to provide ethical reflection — avoid making the paper solely theological; integrate religious insight with empirical research.

Key points & evidence to include (examples)

Costs: incarceration is expensive; alternatives often cheaper and can reduce recidivism. Cite cost-benefit studies.
Effectiveness: evidence shows incarceration has limited deterrent effect for many crimes and high rates of recidivism for those released without supports. Cite meta-analyses.
Equity: racial and socio-economic disparities in sentencing are documented; reforms should address disparities. Cite The Sentencing Project.
Alternatives evidence: drug courts and some restorative programs reduce recidivism and incarceration days; cite evaluations.

Writing mechanics & APA reminders

Length: 4–5 double-spaced pages of content (≈ 1200–1500 words), Times New Roman 12 pt, 1-inch margins. Title page and references separate.
In-text citations: (Author, Year) per APA 7th.
References: full APA entries for all sources, including Scripture (church version cited in text and reference list if required by your instructor — APA suggests citing the Bible in-text and listing version in first citation). Example for Bible: (New International Version, 2011, Romans 13:1–4) and in-text: (NIV, Rom. 13:1–4). Check your instructor’s preference.

Thesis examples you can adapt

“While incarceration has been the dominant response for the last forty years, evidence suggests it has not achieved intended public safety goals; a shift toward evidence-based alternatives—restorative justice, problem-solving courts, and robust reentry services—would better balance public safety, fiscal responsibility, and moral obligations toward rehabilitation.”
Or a conditional-thesis: “The current sentencing paradigm requires targeted reform—not wholesale abandonment—using a hybrid model that reserves incarceration for high-risk violent offenders while expanding community-based alternatives for nonviolent offenses.”

Quick checklist before submission

4–5 pages of body text (not including title and references).
At least 3–4 outside scholarly/credible sources cited.
Include Scripture passage(s) and short theological reflection.
APA title page and references formatted correctly.
Proofread for grammar, clarity, and cohesion.
Make sure empirical claims are supported by citations.

Sample APA citations to get you started

National Research Council. (2014). The growth of incarceration in the United States: Exploring causes and consequences. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/18613

The Sentencing Project. (2020). Report Title. https://www.sentencingproject.org

Sherman, L. W., & Strang, H. (2007). Restorative justice: The evidence. The Smith Institute. (Find a peer-reviewed meta-analysis if required.)

(Replace with the exact articles you use; these are placeholders to help you start.)

Remember! It's just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.

WRITE MY ESSAY