#crimju

[lemurblog]

The irony being Crimson would have left in the morning if Julien HAD married her. girl does not give a single fuk about being queen either. sure she enjoyed the perks, but in a "is it that sweet? i guess so" way

[akascow]

the weird thing about being a CrimJus major is the assignment names bc i forget about them n then get times like just now where i look in my downloads and see a file titled DomesticViolence .docx and i just kinda stare at it

[zc-ethicalissues]

Ethical Issues in the Criminal Justice System

Welcome to Ethics 101!😁

Hey there! Welcome to blog one of many that will outline numerous ethical issues within the Criminal Justice System (CJS). The criminal justice system refers to the body of courts, corrections, law enforcement, and other law-related arms that focus on dispensing justice, ensuring that laws are implemented and obeyed, and maintaining public order. The criminal justice system is built on fairness, equality, justice and good conduct thus ethics is the very foundation on which this system lies. To begin this new series of blogs, we will define a few terms and familiarize ourselves with the foundation of ethics. So, let’s get started!

What is a Code of Conduct?

This refers to the formal set of principles, rules, and standards that govern an institution, and establishes what is acceptable behaviour among its members while outlining what to do when faced with various issues or dilemmas.

 What is Ethics?

According to Pollock (2010), ethics refers to “the discipline of determining good and evil and defining moral duties”. So oftentimes we hear the word morals or morality rather than ethics, but are they really the same thing? Both morals and ethics are related, with morals and morality having to do with the principles of differentiating between right and wrong or simply judging an individual as having good conduct.

Ethical Issues vs Ethical Dilemmas

Without deep thought, one might think that ethical issues and ethical dilemmas are the same things. I shared similar thoughts, but I am here to inform you that such thoughts are a misconception. 

In fact, while they may be similar, the major difference lies in the fact that an ethical issue involves an event or situation in which there is disagreement when deciding what is the right thing to do. They can also be “social questions or policy decisions” (Pollock, 2010). According to Pollock (2010), these issues “often concern the government’s social control mechanisms and the impact on those governed”, and we will see this being highlighted throughout this blogging series.

On the other hand, ethical dilemmas refer to those decision-making situations in which the right choice is not clear, the right choice has negative consequences that should be considered, or where there the “lesser of multiple evils” must be selected. These decisions must be made by an individual or an organization and may not necessarily be based on a policy.

As citizens, we must hold ourselves accountable, and get informed so that we may be equipped to differentiate between wrong and right when faced with ethical issues or dilemmas. Members of the criminal justice system should do the same to ensure that they make the right decisions as it relates to the law. Additionally, these individuals within the CJS must use their discretion and various codes of conduct to govern their choices.  

 Educate Yourself, and Make the Right Choice! Stay Tuned for More- Zorian Clarke

 Reference

Pollock, J. M. (2010). Ethical Dilemmas & Decisions in Criminal Justice. Seventh Edition.

[zorianclarke]

Rights of Various Individuals- Citizens

Blog #2

This is blog two of ten, which will highlight the various rights of regular Jamaican citizens, and who are entitled to these rights.

Who is a Jamaican?

According to the Constitution, a Jamaican citizen is one who was born in the country (chapter 2, section 3(a)), or born in a ship or boat registered to Jamaica or belonging to the government (chapter 2, section b, subsection 2). Jamaican citizenship can also be obtained by descent (chapter 2, section 3(c)), marriage (chapter 2, section 7, subsection 1), or registration (chapter 2, section 4, subsection 1).

The Rights of a Jamaican

According to the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, chapter 3, section 13(3), subsection 2, the rights of Jamaican citizens include, but are not limited to the following:

the right to life, liberty and security of the person

the right to freedom of thought, conscience, belief and observance of political doctrines;

 the right to freedom of expression;

  the right to seek, receive, distribute or disseminate information, opinions and ideas through any media;

 the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association;

 the right to freedom of movement

 the right to equitable and humane treatment by any public authority in the exercise of any function

 the right to freedom from discrimination

the right of every citizen of Jamaica (ii)who is so registered, to vote in free and fair elections;

 the right to protection from torture, or inhuman or degrading punishment

Educate Yourself, and Know Your Rights! Stay Tuned for More! -Zorian Clarke

Reference

The Jamaican Constitution: the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

[clarkezorian]

The Bible Story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4)

Blog #4 

This is blog number four of six which will highlight the bible story of Cain and Abel and analyze and compare the measures of justice used then to those being used now. 

Summary of Story

The story is told of two brothers; Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. Cain was the older of the two brothers and was a tiller of the ground, who we would call a farmer in today’s society. On the other hand, Abel was a keeper of sheep/ a shepherd. In this story, they were expected to give offerings (living sacrifices) to God, in which Abel offered the fat animals of the first-born of his flock while Cain offered fruits. This led to God favoring Abel’s offering because Cain had disobeyed his request for a living sacrifice. Cain became so angry that he killed his brother, and denied it. Consequently, God punished Cain by putting a curse on him so that he would not be able to plant and reap abundantly and also by condemning him to a life of wandering. 

How is this similar to today’s society?

This can be compared to the measures of Justice in today’s society in that, both societies have systems and leaders in place that will administer punishment to individuals who have committed unlawful actions. In the biblical society, it was considered a crime to kill another person and this was outlined in the ten commandments, while in modern society we have laws in place which when violated will be met with various consequences. 

What differences would there be for this action in today’s society?

In the society in which Cain and Abel lived, Jesus was the one who administered punishment and they had no structured justice system in which they had trials. On the other hand, in today’s society there is a structured justice system with various arms (law enforcement, courts, corrections) that deals with individuals who have committed crimes which allows them to go to a fair trial to prove their guilt or innocence. Cain was guilty and despite saying he knew not where his brother was, he was given this punishment because the all-knowing God had evidence (Genesis 4:10 (NIV), The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.). In today’s justice system, evidence needs to be solid and irrefutable in nature which both the defense and prosecution can not contest or deny. 

In today’s society, Cain’s actions would be classified as First degree murder where he would go to trial and when found guilty would be sentenced to life imprisonment with a low chance of getting parole, instead of simple being ostracized from society and being condemned to a life of wandering. This is due to the fact that he planned to bring his brother to the field (premeditated) and intended to kill him (mens rea) out of anger, hatred and jealousy. 

Justice back then is very different from the numerous measures of justice now. The actions of Cain would have been met with serious consequences if this happened in the modern system of justice. however, while they are different, we see that in both societies, criminal acts will be punished even though the method of punishment or judicial system was not necessarily the same. 

Educate Yourself, Get Involved! Stay Tuned for More!- Zorian Clarke

[talking-issues-with-moejah]

ISSUE 4

MULTIPLE RELATIONSHIP

A psychologist should refrain from entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the psychologist's objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing his or her functions as a psychologist, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person with whom the professional relationship exists, according to the American Psychological Association (APA) (2016). If a psychologist is forced to play numerous roles in legal processes by law, institutional policy, or extraordinary circumstances, they must specify their job expectations and the scope of confidentiality at the outset and as circumstances evolve. Furthermore, forensic psychologists must not take on a professional position if they have a conflict of interest that could jeopardize their competency, objectivity, or efficacy when performing psychological work.  Dual relationships are troublesome in the sense that the secondary role has the ability to interfere with the professional's primary role responsibilities. The most important ethical issue should be sensitivity to potential negative effects for the customer. A recent instance in which the psychologist in question was ordered by the court to treat a kid who had been sexually molested and to submit periodic reports to the court on the same case exemplifies this. She saw herself as a therapist, not a forensic examiner, at all times. Later, the accused abuser filed a complaint alleging that the psychologist was incompetent because she did not follow the ethical requirements. The psychologist said that her position was therapeutic rather than forensic, and that she did not need to follow the criteria as a result. However, until the complaint was filed, she had not made this concern clear. In other words, she failed to make it clear when she accepted the child under her care that she was only providing therapeutic services and that her reports were not to be used for forensic purposes.

[aireyverkhovensky]

my crimjus teacher stopped calling on me in class

[lemurblog]

you’re the KING and i’m the beauty queen of.. DISASTER! ✨

person who asked for crimson/julien fanart ........ this one goes out to you

[lemurblog]

since you said please!!

[zorianclarke]

Introduction- Know Your Rights

Blog #1

This is blog one of ten which will shed light on the different rights we have as Jamaican citizens, children and students of the Northern Caribbean University. For the next few weeks, I will be bringing to your attention the various rights that we have, the solutions to cases in which one’s rights have been infringed upon, the numerous organizations that assist in ensuring that our rights are not being breached, as well as the responsibilities/ expectations of police officers, citizens and non-citizens. To begin this series of blogs, we will define a few terms and broaden our knowledge of basic principles surrounding our rights.

What Are Rights?

Rights refer to social, legal or moral laws, principles and freedoms to which one is entitled after meeting certain criteria. For example, a person born in a specific country has met the requirements of being a citizen, and is therefore entitled to education (a basic human right) that country.  Rights can be placed in either of the following categories:

Moral Rights

Human Rights

Natural Rights

Legal Rights - Civil, Economic, Political

Contractual Rights

Human Rights are the most common types of rights. According to Civil Service India, these are rights that are morally important  to which every human being is entitled despite their ethnicity, gender, religion etc. For example, the right to life, the right to food, the right to an education.

Where Can Our Rights Be Found?

As Jamaicans, it is quite important for us to know our rights so that we may be able to discern when they are being violated. The rights of all Jamaican citizens are outlined in the Jamaican Constitution, specifically the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, Chapter 3 Section 13.

Educate Yourself, and Know Your Rights! Stay Tuned for More!

~Zorian Clarke

Reference

Civil Service India. (n.d.).  Rights: Meaning and theories; different kinds of rights; concept of Human Rights. IAS Guide. https://www.civilserviceindia.com/subject/Political-Science/notes/rights-meaning-and-theories.html

[zorianclarke]

How Should NCU’s Campus Security Approach Students?

Blog #10

This is the final blog in this series and in this blog, I will highlight and give suggestions to how NCU’s campus security can approach students without infringing on their rights as being both students and a citizen. It was indeed a pleasure imparting my knowledge with you all and getting all this love and support/ positive feedback. 

Importance of Campus Security

It is important for every educational institution to have various measures and campus security in place so ensure the safety and security of all students. Campus security has the ability to relieve the concerns of parents so that they will be comfortable with leaving their child at the institutions.  Having campus security helps to prevent violence, manage student diversity, lighten the burden of first responders in the event of a fatal accident, and address the issues faced by students. 

Approaching Students Without Infringing on Their Rights 

All students of the Northern Caribbean University are entitled to the rights of a citizen and the rights of students as outlined in the Constitution, the student handbook and code of conduct, once they meet the necessary requirements. Campus security is expected to:

Be Respectful and Courteous in their Approach. Students are not to be treated as less important when compared to other members of staff. Hence, they must be treated in a respectful manner when they are being approached. If security personnel approach students respectfully without treating them as inferior, the students will be able to build a better bond with these officials and therefore a safer campus for all. 

Be Bold but not Forceful. Campus security is expected to be bold and fearless when carrying out the task of safety and security; however, they should not be forceful and intimidating when asking students questions or giving them information.

Be Calm. All interactions must be free of tension, in which students can be comfortable with reporting any safety or security concern. This will lead to an environment where both parties cooperate to create a safer overall space.

Campus security should approach students in ways that will strengthen each student’s relationship with/appreciation for them. This will positively affect the institution by creating a safer space in which students, teachers and all staff members can learn, depart knowledge and interact with each other. 

Educate Yourself, and Know Your Rights! Thank you for reading and actively participating in this blogging series. xo - Zorian Clarke

Reference

Twin City Security. (2017). Five Reasons Why It is Important to Have Campus Security. https://www.twincitysecurityal.com/news/37-five-reasons-why-it-is-important-to-have-campus-security 

[zorianclarke]

Responsibilities of Police Officers and Agents of the State

Blog #7

This is blog seven of 10 which will highlight the various responsibilities and duties of not just police officers but also other agents of the state. 

Responsibilities of Police Officers

Police Officers are given numerous powers such as the ability to use force, the power of arrest, and a few others. Having such powers comes with great responsibility, and these powers of police are only legal in cases where they are being used to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. The responsibilities of police officers include but are not limited to:

Preserving the Peace- enforcing laws and maintaining public order

Protecting the citizens and their properties.

Protecting the country’s borders

Serving and executing summonses issued by the Court.

Detecting and preventing crime- by patrolling and community policing.

Apprehending criminals

Interviewing suspects and taking statements

These are only a few responsibilities of Police officers in Jamaica.

 Responsibilities of Agents of the State and the Government

 Agents of the state refer to those individuals who are members of parliament, are a part of the security forces, and/ or who are somehow directly aligned to the government and contribute to the overall running of the country. These agents have numerous responsibilities which vary depending on their facility or their area of expertise. Along with many others, the following list contains a few responsibilities: 

Serving and protecting citizens and their property.

Maintaining public order.

Providing world class health care to citizens.

Protecting the Constitutional Rights of all citizens.

Provide public services, national security and economic security/assistance.

Each individual must play his/her part in carrying out their responsibilities to ensure the smooth running of the country.  

Educate Yourself, and Know Your Rights! Stay Tuned for More!- Zorian Clarke

Reference

Jamaica Constabulary Force. (n.d.). Police-Citizen Relations in Jamaica. http://www.oas.org/es/sla/dlc/mesicic/docs/jam_res26.pdf

The Constabulary Force Act

[zorianclarke]

Expectations of Police When Approaching Citizens and Non-Citizens

Blog #9

This is blog nine of ten, which is written to educate viewers on what is expected of police officers when they are approaching citizens and non-citizens. 

Code of Conduct

Many officers often use their level of superiority and authority for negative purposes and lose sight of how they should conduct themselves when approaching others. As soon as citizens or non-citizens are approached by police officers, they must be Mirandized or provided with a cautioning statement which involves informing them of their legal rights.

Force

When an officer is approaching citizens and non-citizens, he/she should refrain from using force as their first option. Force should not be used even if questions, requests or commands were ignored since citizens actually have the right to remain silent. 

Courtesy

Law enforcement officials should also be fair and polite when interacting with various individuals. When officers are courteous, they tend to get along better with citizens and non-citizens and these individuals find it easier to speak to and follow the directives of police officers. 

Asking Questions

When asking questions, police officers should again be polite. Questions should be asked in a respectful manner so that individuals are not intimidated, whether they are citizens or non-citizens. These individuals do have the right to remain silent, and/or contact a lawyer before answering any questions. 

Making Reports/ Taking Statements

When taking statements, officers must be patient and ensure that they understand all that is being said so that the statements will be accurate. Statements from children (under 12 years) and juveniles (under 16 years) whether citizens or non-citizens must be done in the presence of a parent, guardian or social worker. 

Identification 

Citizens and non-citizens have the right to be able to identify an officer for personal reasons as well as to be able to properly address them. They also have the right to see your identification card which displays your name and signature. While this may not be requested of uniformed officers, it is a requirement for officers that are not in uniform.

Police officers should approach citizens with a high level of professionalism, respect and reassurance. They should not drive fear in these individuals or try to intimidate citizens or non-citizens. All individuals must be treated fairly/ justly and must be reminded of their rights. Police officers should try to respect the rights of citizens and non-citizens at all times. 

Educate Yourself, and Know Your Rights! Stay Tuned for More! - Zorian Clarke

References

Jamaica Constabulary Force. (n.d.). Police-Citizen Relations in Jamaica. OAS.org. http://www.oas.org/es/sla/dlc/mesicic/docs/jam_res26.pdf

The Police Code of Conduct

[zorianclarke]

How should Citizens Behave when approached by the Police?

Blog #8 

This is blog eight of ten which is geared at educating the public of the guidelines for behaviour when a citizen is approached by police officers.

The Right Behaviour

Many citizens tend to become anxious, tense and fearful when approached by police officers in uniform, while others tend to be easily triggered or get angry. However, how we behave when approached by law enforcement officials greatly affects the outcome of the particular situation. When approached by a police officer, it is important that citizens:

Keep Calm and Show no Hostility - It is important that you show no signs of anger towards police officers. Ensure that you maintain your composure, because you are innocent until proven guilty and innocent citizens have no reason to be fearful or angry. 

Do not Run -  Running away, due to fear or otherwise, when approached by an officer in uniform can make matters worse. Running often makes citizens appear guilty even if they are innocent, and this may cause the situation to escalate way more than it should. 

Refrain from Speaking Out of Turn and Only Answer What is Being Asked of You- Everything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law; therefore, it is better to speak in the presence of your attorney if you have one, so that you do not incriminate yourself. 

Be Courteous- Be as respectful as possible when you are approached by a police officer. Refrain from using expletives or indecent language that can lead to additional charges being filed against you by the police officers, that may worsen the situation at hand and negatively affect the verdict. 

Ask Relevant Questions- As citizens we have the right to protection from searches etc.; however, these rights may be forfeited in certain situations (for example, if you are suspected of committed a crime). Citizens still have the right to questions these officers as to why they are being stopped, questioned, searched, approached or why their belongs are being seized. This will allow for citizens to be aware of what the officers expect to find and will help citizens to decipher if the actions of the police are legitimate or constitutional. 

Listen Carefully and Follow the Directives of the Officer- Ensure that you are able to clearly understand what is being said by the officer, so that you may restate this information if necessary, and so that you may clearly execute the instructions that he or she gives without . 

Educate Yourself, and Know Your Rights! Stay Tuned for More! - Zorian Clarke

References

Jamaica Constabulary Force. (n.d.). Police-Citizen Relations in Jamaica. http://www.oas.org/es/sla/dlc/mesicic/docs/jam_res26.pdf

The Police Code of Conduct

[zorianclarke]

Responsibilities of Citizens

Blog #6

This is blog six of ten, which will highlight the various responsibilities that each citizen has. Some responsibilities of citizens are voluntary and may be just an act of good will. 

Responsibilities of Citizens

Citizens are afforded numerous rights and privileges; however, with these rights come multiple responsibilities. These responsibilities include:

Defending and supporting the Constitution.

Paying their share of taxes as outlined by the government.

Abiding by/Obeying all the laws of the land.

Participating in the Democratic Process- by voting or any other means.

Serving as a member of the Jury when call upon to do so.

Serving as a witness in Court if summoned.

Not all responsibilities of citizens are mandatory; therefore, there are certain responsibilities that are voluntarily executed by citizens of a particular area. These include and are not limited to:

Showing patriotism

Being an active member in the community 

Actively participate in civic organizations - community based clubs and organizations that provide development whether religiously, economically, educationally or culturally. 

Understanding and using the judicial process accordingly.

Cooperating with law enforcement agencies and helping other citizens.

Being informed on current affairs. 

Citizens must be willing to cooperate and carry out their various responsibilities both voluntary and involuntary in order for the country to function effectively. 

Educate Yourself, and Know Your Rights! Stay Tuned for More! - Zorian Clarke

Reference

The National Library of Jamaica. (2020, June 2) Rights and Responsibilities of a Citizen. Civics. https://nlj.gov.jm/civics/

[zorianclarke]

Rights of Various Individuals- Children and Students of NCU

Blog #3

This is blog three of ten, which will highlight the various rights of a child and the rights of students that attend the Northern Caribbean University.

The Rights of a Child

A child is anyone under the age of 18 years. In addition to the overall rights for a citizen mention above, a child is entitled to the following:

According to the Constitution Chapter 3, section 13 (3), subsection 2(k):

the right of every child;

 (i) to such measures of protection as are required by virtue of the status of being a minor or as part of the family, society and the State.

(ii)who is a citizen of Jamaica, to publicly funded tuition in a public educational institution; the pre-primary and primary levels.

According to Unicef in the Conventions of the Right of the child, signed by Jamaica in 1990, a child is entitled to the following:

the right to survival;

the right to develop to the fullest;

the right to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; 

the right to participate fully in family, cultural and social life

The Rights of Students of Northern Caribbean University

Students of Northern Caribbean University who are citizens of Jamaica are entitled to the rights stated above. In addition, Northern Caribbean University’s student guide outlines the various rights and privileges that these students have. These include:

Students’ rights to enquire -explore matters regarding university policies that affect personal life, or concerns of general interest.

Students’ right to appeal (page 45)

The right of every student to access computers and to use the internet to exchange information with the general public/persons of similar interests, and to provide data sources to assist students in accomplishing their course requirements and programme goals (page 13).

The right to access a health insurance plan- except in cases where students already have other valid health insurance coverage (page 27).

The right to respect for individuality and freedom of expression/ creativity in decorating dorm rooms- once it does not alter, deface, damage or ruin the walls, ceilings, tiles, furnishings or light fixtures (page 32).

Educate Yourself, and Know Your Rights! Stay Tuned for More! - Zorian Clarke

References

Do Good Jamaica. (n.d.). Children’s Rights. https://dogoodjamaica.org/childrens-rights/

The Jamaican Constitution; the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

The Northern Caribbean University’s Student Guide and Code of Conduct