Crime Seriousness and Prior Criminal Record Dissertation

Crime Seriousness and Prior Criminal Record - Dissertation Example As the discussion declares there is a positive correlation between a person’s prior criminal record and the chances that firstly, such a person is more likely to commit an offence in the future, and secondly, that there is a greater probability of such offences resulting in imprisonment. Moreover, as a result of mandatory sentencing policies, repeat offenders are now far more likely to face imprisonment. A prior record sets into motion totally different responses amongst law enforces, with the suspect considered ‘guilty until proved innocent’, rather than the other way around which is the basis of modern jurisprudence. However, this ground reality has resulted in two developments that go contrary to conventional logic. This paper stresses that though crime rates have declined, prison populations have actually increased, which questions the very basic premise that the threat of getting caught and imprisoned actually deters crime. In fact, the prison population is likely to grow in coming years. A study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics revealed that the 1994 prison population would rise by 51% by the year 2000. This is a direct result of taking into account a person’s prior criminal record, however minor and irrespective of the relevance of previous offences to the new charge. The other aspect is the increasing numbers of African Americans in particular that constitute the prison population. This is in spite of the fact that several positive changes in society such as the civil rights movement and enhanced educational and employment opportunities.

Scope of branding and current trends Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Scope of branding and current trends - Essay Example Interestingly brands in the field of marketing originated in the 19th century with the advent of packaged goods. Industrialization moved the production of many household items, such as soap, from local communities to centralized factories. These factories, generating mass-produced goods, needed to sell their products to a wider market, to a customer base familiar only with local goods. So the packaged goods manufacturers needed to convince the market that the public could place just as much trust in the non-local product. Around 1900, James Walter Thompson published a house ad explaining trademark advertising. This was an early commercial explanation of what we now know as branding. Since their origin, brands have come a long way in technique, sophistication and reach. Many traditional â€Å"rules† of branding have been tossed aside over the years with the advent of the internet, cutting edge branding techniques and complex ventures. Branding has also conquered new terrains su ch as law firms, countries or even local produce. In this paper, we will attempt to identify and expand on some of the latest trends in branding and their scope. We will also attempt to demonstrate how these changes in branding concepts are a reflection of our times and a natural progressive reaction to external factors that has driven its rapid and powerful evolution. But, before we delve into that, we first take a look at the various issues that influence responsible branding to really comprehend the magnitude of a strong brand influence and also its constraints.