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Module 6-2 Assignment
Southern New Hampshire University
CJ 230: Discretion in Criminal Justice
Nathan Mutter
04/09/2023
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Discretionary Laws and Agency’s Culture
Summary of Statute
In your own words, summarize the Rhode Island Domestic Violence Protection Act.
The Rhode Island Domestic Violence Protection Act is a law that aims to protect individuals
who are victims of domestic violence. It allows victims to file for a restraining order against
their abuser, which can prevent the abuser from contacting or harming the victim. The law
also provides for the arrest of the abuser if there is evidence of domestic violence, and it
mandates the creation of a statewide registry of protective orders to help law enforcement
officers quickly identify potential threats to victims. Additionally, the law requires employers
to provide victims with time off from work to attend court hearings related to their domestic
violence case.
Statute and Discretion
How may the Rhode Island Domestic Violence Protection Act affect discretionary
decision making in domestic violence situations?
The Rhode Island Domestic Violence Protection Act may affect discretionary decision
making in domestic violence situations by providing clear legal guidelines for law
enforcement officers and judges to follow. The act requires law enforcement officers to make
