Relaxed Celebrity Sentencing
Lax Sentences for Celebrities:
A Look at Criminal Injustice
David House
Prof. Ashli Arbo
CJUS 230
9 August 2010
Lax Sentences Page 1
Lax Sentences for Celebrities
A Look at Criminal Injustice
Abstract
Disparities between sentencing practices of celebrities and regular citizens are becoming a heated issue across the nation. This subject has received much attention due to the fact that we have so many celebrities that are in and out of court and jail today and those individuals are receiving much less sentences than individuals that are not celebrities. The basis of this paper is to provide its reader with information regarding the disparities that are seen and noted on this subject. It discusses such practices as “fast-track” sentencing and also looks at opinions of stars in regards to other stars sentences. The paper concludes with a look at why it is important for courts and criminal justice officials to take a stand and discontinue these practices of disparities.
Introduction
Court disparity is quickly becoming an issue of great debate within our country due to the rise in unequal sentencing practices used by our criminal justice system. This issue is so great because there is such a division between the people about it, some think celebrities should be treated and tried in accordance with the crimes they commit, while others feel that since they are
Lax Sentences Page 2
in the public eye, them going to jail would ruin the lives of those that look to them as role models. Them being treated as if they are above the law is quickly becoming a practice the majority of citizens are growing weary of and are becoming enraged because it has become a common practice. This paper will show evidence of the disparities and the stand that must be taken in regards to these criminal injustices.
Jail Sentences on Celebrities
For some years
A Look at Criminal Injustice
David House
Prof. Ashli Arbo
CJUS 230
9 August 2010
Lax Sentences Page 1
Lax Sentences for Celebrities
A Look at Criminal Injustice
Abstract
Disparities between sentencing practices of celebrities and regular citizens are becoming a heated issue across the nation. This subject has received much attention due to the fact that we have so many celebrities that are in and out of court and jail today and those individuals are receiving much less sentences than individuals that are not celebrities. The basis of this paper is to provide its reader with information regarding the disparities that are seen and noted on this subject. It discusses such practices as “fast-track” sentencing and also looks at opinions of stars in regards to other stars sentences. The paper concludes with a look at why it is important for courts and criminal justice officials to take a stand and discontinue these practices of disparities.
Introduction
Court disparity is quickly becoming an issue of great debate within our country due to the rise in unequal sentencing practices used by our criminal justice system. This issue is so great because there is such a division between the people about it, some think celebrities should be treated and tried in accordance with the crimes they commit, while others feel that since they are
Lax Sentences Page 2
in the public eye, them going to jail would ruin the lives of those that look to them as role models. Them being treated as if they are above the law is quickly becoming a practice the majority of citizens are growing weary of and are becoming enraged because it has become a common practice. This paper will show evidence of the disparities and the stand that must be taken in regards to these criminal injustices.
Jail Sentences on Celebrities
For some years
Bibliography: Cont. 11. Celebrity brushes with law and their punishments. (2009, January 16). http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE50F4LD20090116 12. Schoepher, Carmichael, A., & Piquero, S. (2007). Do perceptions of punishment vary between white-collar and street crimes? Journal of Criminal Justice, 35, 151-163