Is Parole Effective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Is Parole Effective - Essay Example It is with this ideological framework in mind that this paper sets out to present an informative look at the New York State's system of parole and probation. The word 'parole' has its origins in the Latin term "probare," meaning "to prove" or "to test," and the term was coined by John Augustus ("A Brief History of Probation," 2006). The meaning of the term suggests, therefore, that parole is a chance given to a person to prove that they are deserving of the right to live in society among free people without being a threat to others or to themselves. The idea of probation is an opportunity given to a former criminal to absolve themselves of the charges against them, and to prove to the authorities, to society, and most importantly, to themselves, that they are capable of conducting themselves in a manner in which they can follow the norms of the society that they live in. (Jeffrey et al., 2003) In terms of the history of probation, two names are definitive: John Augustus and Matthew Davenport Hill. Hill was a judge who "had witnessed the sentencing of youthful offenders to one-day terms on the condition that they be returned to a parent or guardian who would closely supervise them" ("A Brief History," 2006). Hill applied the same idea of 'guardianship' of criminal offenders to the legal system: When he eventually became the Recorder of Birmingham, a judicial post, he used a similar practice for individuals who did not seem hopelessly corrupt. If offenders demonstrated a promise for rehabilitation, they were placed in the hands of generous guardians who willingly took charge of them. Hill had police officers pay periodic visits to these guardians in an effort to tack the offender's progress and to keep a running account. ("A Brief History," 2006) The above citation illustrates a very important aspect of probation: that not everyone is worthy of it. It is only when people in prison demonstrate, either through good conduct or because of the nature of their crimes, or for any other valid reason, that they deserve the chance to be free again, that they may be offered release on probation. Augustus, like Hill, also came up with the idea of probation based on an analogy with another practice; in his case, he was inspired by the way in which victims of alcohol abuse can be reformed through rehabilitation. (Robert et al., 2002) Widely regarded as the world's first parole officer, Augustus was the owner of a successful boot-making business in early nineteenth-century Boston before he made his entry into the judicial system. He believed that those who had committed crimes "could be rehabilitated through understanding, kindness and sustained moral suasion, rather then through conviction and jail sentences" ("A Brief History," 2006). The first person ever to be paroled was a "common drunkard" in 1841, who "was ordered to appear in court three weeks [after his] sentencing. He returned to court a sober man [] To the astonishment of all in attendance, his appearance and demeanor had dramatically changed," ("A Brief History," 2006) and thus began the system of probation in Americ a. The State of New York State had the official beginning of the system of probation in 1901. by 1917, a State Division of Probation had been implemented in the State's Department of Corrections. The Division of Prob

Psychodynamic Perspective in explaining Human Experience Essay

Psychodynamic Perspective in explaining Human Experience - Essay Example Superego - The controlling aspect of personality development. This is relative to conscience and imposes restrictions which intern helps the child to work in accordance to the ideals set. Superego is the representative of the societal boundaries, a judge who checks one's actions as right or wrong. Conscious refers to the views and thoughts that a person is aware off, whereas Preconscious are the views and thoughts that a person is not aware off at a particular time but when reminded they become conscious. But unconscious are the memories and thoughts that not available to the person. It is seen that these unconscious thoughts shape individual behavior and experience. Phallic stage - From about 3 years to 6 years of age form the phallic stage, this pleasure lies in fondling genitals. We have often seen a male child holding their genitals and playing with it. During this stage, around the age of 6 years, one can see opposite sex attraction, this attraction is of a male child towards his mother and of a female child towards her father. ... Psychosexual Stages of Development Freud divided the age of the child in different stages of psychosexual development. These are: Oral stage - During the first year of life. Infants get pleasure from nursing and sucking and put everything that they get in their mouth. Anal stage - The second year of life symbolizes the beginning of anal stage, the pleasure lies in both withholding and expelling feces. Phallic stage - From about 3 years to 6 years of age form the phallic stage, this pleasure lies in fondling genitals. We have often seen a male child holding their genitals and playing with it. During this stage, around the age of 6 years, one can see opposite sex attraction, this attraction is of a male child towards his mother and of a female child towards her father. A system of inferiority complex develops within a child if their parents are seen together without involving the child. Latency stage - This stage comes at the age of 7 years and last till puberty (age 12). During this stage a child isn't concerned about his body but now it is trying to develop skills and is influenced by the environment. This stage shows peer group formation and similar sex attraction in playgroups. Genital stage - Genital stage starts at puberty, the mature phase of adult sexuality and functioning. Symbolizes adolescence and its nature. Freud believed that problems at any of the psychosexual stages of development can fixate development and have a lasting effect on