WHAT I WANT YOU TO DO IN THIS DISCUSSION: For this week, we will
examine Module #4 (“The Criminal Justice System”). To
access Module #4, go to the Course Content section. One of the
selections is "Course Resources”. Under "Course Resources”, please
go to Module #4 ("The Criminal Justice System").  Please read the "Commentary” section of that module. Also, in Chapter 19 of the assigned readings (which is entitled “Social Class and Crime”), please read the discussions on how differently the wealthy and powerful
are treated by the criminal justice system as opposed to the the poor
and the powerless (Chapter 19 is accessible via http://knowledge.sagepub.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/view/criminology/n19.xml).  It's obvious that there is discretion on the part of the law-makers, the police and the courts that favors the rich and powerful.  In the commentary section of Module #4 (“The Criminal Justice System”), there is mention of the use of discretion in prosecuting a case against a defendant.  The discussion of discretion is in the section entitled “Justice as a Process”.  Please see the 13th paragraph of that section.   

On Module #4, please click on "Conference Essay Questions" and answer
questions #3, #11, and #13.

Post your answers as a reply to Discussion #2. Your answers should
be a minimum of three paragraphs long. It is important that you refer
to material you read in the assigned readings in answering these questions. It is also important that you read the responses of other students. You must also post a response to at least two of the other students' posts.  

The questions you should answer are:

11) Which actor in the criminal justice process has the greatest amount of
discretion? In your opinion, where in the system is there the greatest
risk of abuse of this discretion? Explain your thinking.

13) We have discussed the roles of the prosecutor, defense attorney, and
judge. Which of these roles do you believe is most in need of change?
Explain the basis for your viewpoint, and indicate what such changes
would accomplish.

3) Compare and contrast the federal and state court systems. What is the
relationship between them? What kinds of jurisdictional matters do
they resolve?