Discussion post and 2 responses. Jeffrey Ian Ross (2012). "Debunking the Myths of American Corrections: An Exploratory Analysis," pp. 409-427. Virginia McKenna (2010). "Blinded by the Star: A Former Law Enforcement Officer's Reflections on Crime and Justice," 229-234. Alice Goffman (2009). "On the Run: Wanted Men in a Philadelphia Ghetto," pp. 339-357. These are the 3 articles you will need.

After reading the three articles for Week One, is the criminal justice system, in your opinion, an institution that perpetuates racial divisions and inequality within the United States? Take a position either way and fully defend it. Also, in her article, "On the Run," Alice Goffman argues that police officers may pursue individuals with open warrants at their places of work, hospitals, or daycare sites, even for individuals that are low-level offenders. In your opinion, should there be "safe spaces" where law enforcement should not be permitted to apprehend low-level offenders who fail to pay fines or make court appearances? Why or why not? Be sure to fully elaborate. Next, after reading the article, "Debunking the Myths of American Corrections," please come up with one aspect of prison life that you believe may be a myth or misrepresentation that is not identified in the article. And, in your opinion, why do you suppose so few states allow inmates to have conjugal visits? Do you believe conjugal visits should be permitted for some inmates? Why or why not? Next, Ross (2012) discusses how policymakers misinterpreted Robert Martinson's 1974 report and used it to justify longer and more punitive sentences. What, if anything, can researchers and academics do to make sure that their findings are not misinterpreted by the public and policymakers? Should they do anything to begin with? Also, after reflecting upon Virginia McKenna's article, "Binded by the Star," how can criminal justice practitioners avoid being negatively impacted by unquestioned myths and world views? In other words, how can these actors achieve a sense of fairness, equity, and justice when the nature of their profession may expose them to stereotypes and prejudices? Finally, once you have answered all of the above questions, please pose an original thinking question to the class. Besides responding to the questions presented here, you must also attempt to fully answer at least one question posed by a fellow classmate for one of your two required follow-up comments. When you respond to a question posed by one of your peers, please be sure to address this person by name, as it makes it much easier for the rest of the class to follow the online ‘conversation.’ Keep in mind that special consideration will be given to students who post comments early in the week, as well to students who post multiple substantive follow-up comments. Also, please keep in mind, students should try to refrain from posting all of their comments on the last day of the session or in one sitting, as this does not truly allow them to interact with their classmates in a meaningful way. If possible, try to do much more than the minimum requirement for this assignment. All comments must be posted by 11:59 P.M., Friday, March 23rd. Late comments will not be accepted. Good luck!