Reflection Paper 1
Reflection Paper
Department of Criminal Justice
Liberty University
Reflection Paper 2
While growing up I have always had an interest in criminal justice issues from watching
the mystery shows to watching the investigative shows. It was just something about it that I
knew I would love doing. As I got older I start to realize I could actually study this subject in
school so when I went to college I knew I would study criminal justice. Over the rest of this
paper, I will be discussing my worldview of our “flawed” criminal justice system and the
elements that make up this complex organization.
As a high school student I started to realize our criminal justice system has many flaws
within the system (Police, Courts and Corrections). I started researching and finding information
about disparities in our system between minorities and Americans of the opposite color. This
information was shocking to me even though, I grew up hearing about it I looked at it as being
“back in the days”. When in reality this issue was still happening in this day and time. In
addition, I started reading about issues such as: drug sentencing, racial profiling and wrongful
conviction. This increase my passion and made me want to keep researching and studying to
learn more about these issues and other issues that are going on in our country. Also, I wanted to
make a difference in my community and change the perception of law enforcement in my
community as well.
Due to the fact I was brought up in a religious (Christian) household, my views of right
and wrong are shaped by my upbringing. So that’s how I sometimes look at laws and punishment
for violating them. I understand this can possible create problems because I have to remain
biased no matter the natural of the crime. The bible explain things man are not supposed to do
and there consequences. Romans 13:1-7: Let every person be subject to the governing
authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted
by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who
Reflection Paper 3
resist will incur judgment. For rulers is not a terror to good conduct, but too bad. Would you have
no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the
sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrong
doer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of
conscience.
When trying to understand our criminal justice system, its best for one to understand how
the organizations in the system work and who it affects. Most of the organizations share the same
interest trying to fight crime and keep the bad guys off the streets. However, sometimes there can
be a conflict of authority and power within this system because of the organization structure. In
many cases we see that a lot at the local government and the state government where power and
authority conflict come in. For example, If a crime take place in a local jurisdiction in most cases
the local police would investigate this crime; however, if the state police feel that they are better
fitted to investigate the crime, they have the authority to take over the investigation because state
government over-rule local government. Another example is how the court system has the
authority to overturn decisions that the police has made because of information that the police
used cannot be used in court.
When defining authority it is the power or control in a particular person or organization rights to
give orders and make decisions. In contrast, power is the ability to influence the people under
you. So this raises the question what are criminal justice organizations function under leader or
manger? Many would believe it’s one or the other but in reality it is both. The people in
administration position achieve goals through their employees which are defined as a manger
and they are responsible for motivating and directing employees which is defined as a leader.
Reflection Paper 4
That’s why my worldview of criminal justice system shares much of both characteristics. Our
criminal justice system has many improvements that it needs but with the great leader and
mangers that they have in position it will become better with time. The bible said “There is no
one righteous, not even one,”
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