Probation Officers versus Parole Officers Research Paper

Probation Officers versus Parole Officers - Research Paper Example A prisoner may also be allowed a time of freedom (with conditions) at the time of sentencing. The United States and individual state laws provide two options namely probation and parole which allows a period outside prison. It also allows for the provision of officers for close supervision and monitoring of persons let out of prison either on probation or parole. Most people, not associated with law may think that both these terms are similar and exchangeable with each other. But this is not the case. This paper compares the roles and responsibilities of each of these posts and will discuss the similarities and differences in the process. Probation officers vs. parole officers: Many states have both these posts and these officers are playing an invaluable role in helping offenders out of jail on probation and parole. Working with other agencies, they help offenders to integrate into the society while they are out of prison. Basic roles and duties are common across most states even th ough some factors like number of days outside of prison, conditions etc may vary from state to state. The purpose here is to provide a general view of these roles in order to provide an understanding of what a probation and parole officer is expected to do. Meaning of probation and the Roles of probation officers: Probation is a court directive that places an accused under the control, supervision and care of a person so that the offender need not enter a prison to carry out the judgment meted out to him or her subject to certain conditions (Petersilia, 1998, p. 14). The primary role of the probation officer is interacting, helping and supervising the probationer. In order to make the system effective, their roles require them to â€Å"work not only with federal judges and other court professionals, but with U.S. attorneys, defense attorneys, Federal Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Parole Commission officials, state and local law enforcement agents, treatment providers, and community le aders. Officers deliver services that benefit the court, the community, and the offender† (US Trial and Pretrial Office – Western Missouri, n.d.). The quote indicates that the roles required are complex and varied since a large number of agencies are involved. The post was formed after the implementation of the Probation Act of 1925 (US Probation Office, n.d.). Unless otherwise stated, all information given below is sourced from the article on the roles of a probation officer published by the US Probation Office. The first role required by the officer is to conduct a background check of the accused before a final verdict by the court. All factors such as the personal life, background, financial dealing, and previous criminal history of the accused need to be taken into account. The nature of the crime and the events that led to subsequent arrest will also be a part of the investigation. After a logical analysis of information collected, the officer then has to prepare a concise report, stating all relevant facts to the court in which the trial is held. This report will be an additional source of investigative information (apart from what has been presented during the trial) that will assist the judge in arriving at a verdict. As in the case of parole, probation officers also need to provide a supervisory role. The

Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility Essay

Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example In accordance with the issues discussed in the paper since late 1970s, various organizations have addressed business ethics in different ways, as well as the development of codes of conduct, hiring of corporate responsibility managers and training programs of all kinds, introduction of compliant managers and programs, the preparation and dissemination of value statements, and the addition of board-level ethics committees. Studies conducted in 1960s indicated that European-based corporations were a head of their United State-based counterparts in implementing sustainability and corporate social responsibility practices. However, in the present days, business operations in Europe and the United States are not so much different as was initially assumed. Both businesses in these regions are currently striving to establish the exact meaning for a company to be responsible and ethical. The implementation of ethics and corporate social responsibility practices in most firms have not prevent ed Europe and United State-base companies from engaging in unethical behaviors that cause corporate scandals. This has created increased pressure for governments and Europe-based and U.S.-based corporations to establish more structured ethics and government programs, so as to ensure that these corporations are responsible to the communities within, which they are situated. There are many challenges, which are associated with corporate responsibility. ... ion on how corporate ethics efforts can be improved, and how it can address the issue of underlying causes of misconduct, including the increasing demand for sustainable business, and proactive, socially responsible practices (Banerjee, 2007). Recent researches indicate that European-based companies are far much a head in implementing sustainability and corporate social responsibility practices than their United States-based counterparts, but the question is, are they doing better work of avoiding unethical conduct on a large scale? Understanding the aspects of business ethics is a challenging task since this field is vast, and it usually encompasses issues like reputation management, corporate governance, accurate accounting, environmental stewardship, and fair labor practices (Shaw, 2010). As a matter of fact, this field is concerned with the entire scopes of responsibilities, which a corporation has for all its stakeholders, especially those who have exhibited interest in the acti ons and decision of the company such as suppliers, stakeholders, community, clients, and employees. The understanding of business ethics is further made complex by several terms that refer to corporate programs and offices, which are focused on communicating, monitoring, and enforcing company standards and values (Sims, 2003). In theory, people can make certain distinctions among the various aspects of business ethics such as corporate compliance, corporate responsibility, and social responsibility. However, in practical perspective, such differentiations are of no significance since corporate offices of compliance that was established in 1970s can today function similarly to social and corporate responsibility (Trevino & Nelson, 2010). In order to understand the various scopes and nature

Odysseus story Essay Example for Free

Odysseus story Essay SOME ARE monsters, some are slaves, some are beautiful and cunning women and some are powerful kings. In Homeric literature, a character is either good or bad depending on their xenia or shape (e.g. Charybdis). However, from reading The Odyssey, one can see the admirable characters and the not so admirable characters. Such characters have either good or bad xenia, old or young, male or female, some can be a menial as a slave (such as Eumaeus) and some can be as great as a Troy hero and king (such as Nestor). This is an exploration of whether or not Eumaeus is the most admirable character in The Odyssey or not. We first meet Odysseus swineherd in Book Fourteen in the porch of his hut. He had been caring for Odysseus property during his absence. Odysseus appears to him as a beggar and despite the status that such person has, Eumaeus being but a servant understands xenia and entertains Odysseus by preparing a feast for him.  In Book Fourteen, Eumaeus grieves not only for the loss of Odysseus but also for Telemachus who had gone to find his father. It is clear from Book Sixteen, that Eumaeus loves Telemachus like a father loves a son as when he returns he drops everything and kisses Telemachus and cries with pleasure of his safe return to Ithaca. He shows respect for his masters in Book Fourteen, another admirable trait, when he says to the disguised Odysseus that servants cant give admirable gifts when they work in fear of their overpowering masters. This shows that Eumaeus understands his place an Odysseus and Telemachus both recognise this and treat Eumaeus with great respect. One could argue that Homer created Eumaeus as the most admirable character as there is a not in Book Fourteen that claims that Homer loved his created character and sometimes the literature speaks directly to Eumaeus.  After Eumaeus prayer that Odysseus may return, Odysseus feels that it is right that he should reveal his scar and prove that he is with them. The text says that Eumaeus is overwhelmed to see his master again and is weeping and kissing him so much, that if Odysseus hadnt stopped them, it would have gone on all day and all night! This shows a great and respecting love for the King of Ithaca. Eumaeus speaks out, bravely (or foolishly some could argue) against the Suitors. This shows bravery in his character as well as loyalty and love. He is truly characterised as a noble and respectable person. He also helps in the execution of the maidservants and the mutilation of Melanthius.  All of the above describe how admirable Eumaeus is and there is not a point in the text when he is not admirable, loving, kind or brave. However, there are other admirable characters in The Odyssey. I would argue that King Nestor of Pylos, a hero against Troy with Odysseus, is an admirable character in The Odyssey. He is a very generous host and actually is so generous and so loyal to xenia that in Book Fifteen, Telemachus pleads with Nestors son, Peisistratus (Telemachus Patroclus type character) to not let him see Telemachus, as he will keep him against his will with his passion for hospitality! Some could argue that this in its self is an abuse of xenia. Nestor also stops Telemachus from sleeping on his hollowed ship and says that he should sleep in the palace. This shows true loyalty to xenia. Before this however, Nestor believes that Telemachus even looks like Odysseus and tells Telemachus of his faith in him. This shows a caring for his friends family. Nestor is even kind enough to let his son act as a friend and guardian to Telemachus on his journeys.  Nestors character is one of great caring and compassion and he looks out for Telemachus as a father would look out for a son and I think that this is a truly admirable trait of King Nestor. Another admirable character is Antinous and Aretes daughter, Nausicaa, princess of Phaeacia. She meets Odysseus when he has been washed up on the shore of the island and is wearing no more than a fig leaf over his genitalia. Anyone would have thought him mad or overly promiscuous, however, despite her first impressions, the young woman hears of Odysseus story and shows pity on the great man in his miserable state. She orders her ladies to bathe him and even tells him how to get into the city and speak with her father, Antinous through his wife Arete). With all this guidance she shows mercy on a man in a state where others would have either ran or jeered at him. This shows a merciful character in Nausicaa and for such a young girl she has an understanding of xenia. She falls in love with Odysseus and she is even offered by Antinous as a wife for Odysseus, but Odysseus is having none of it and just wants his presents and one of their good ships to go home in.  Nausicaa demonstrates mercy on Odysseus in the only time we see him as being so disparate and needy for help. The only time when he loses face and the only time really when all he has are his articulate words to help him out of situation. This shows that Nausicaa probably knew that Odysseus was a great man and that his state would have de-motivated him so the very fact that she shows such compassion towards him shows that she sympathises with his situation. This I believe is a very admirable thing to do and shows great intelligence for someone so young. Therefore, Eumaeus is one of the most admirable but not the most. Nestor and Nausicaa, both explored above are equally as admirable but in slightly different ways. Eumaeus admiralty comes from his loyalty to Odysseus and his want to defend his right to be loyal. Nestor is admirable for his hospitality and the way he speaks of Odysseus and the help that he gives to Telemachus on his journey to track down his father. Lastly, Nausicaa is admirable as she is able to trust a man that others would have thought bonkers. He appears to her naked and she accepts his honesty and mercifully helps him due to his articulate speech. Homer has truly created some of the greatest characters in the world of literature and these good and admirable persons are part of the huge enjoyment one has when one reads his Odyssey.

Toxic Waste And Discrimination Essay Example for Free

Toxic Waste And Discrimination Essay The discrimination suffered by people of color goes as far as locating them to neighborhoods that are near toxic waste facilities. This is an important issue to address since the discrimination done in this sphere does not only affect difference in treatment per se. It affects the health and well-being of the individuals being discriminated against.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the 20th of the 1987 Toxic Wastes and Race report, the topic of disparity in treatment when it comes to locating people in neighborhoods was once again examined. The study proved that the discrimination, still exists, and in fact, has worsened as years passed by. According to the article by Bullard, Mohai, et.al., the study yielded the following results: People of color make up the majority (56%) of those living in neighborhoods within 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) of the nations commercial hazardous waste facilities[†¦] People of color make up a much larger majority (69%) in neighborhoods with clustered facilities. [†¦] 9 out of 10 EPA regions have racial disparities in the location of hazardous waste sites. Forty of 44 states (90%) with hazardous waste facilities have disproportionately high percentages of people of color in host neighborhoods [†¦] (2007) In summary, the research shows that â€Å"racial and socioeconomic disparities in the location of the nations hazardous waste facilities are geographically widespread throughout the country† and that race is still the one of the main factors in fixing the location in a neighborhood nearing toxic waste facilities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There was an attempt on the part of the government to alleviate this form of discrimination by conveying critiques on the way EPA disposes of environmental justice issues brought before them. The agency has also met defiance when it comes to proposals that it sought to implement. As reported by the article, the government has already suggested a cut on its budget due to the agency’s failure to review its policies and orders. However, as regards the last measure sought to be taken as regards the issue, the article commented that suggesting said cut on the budget could actually make minorities more exposed to pollution and toxic wastes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The article suggests that in order to alleviate this type of discrimination, Congressional oversight hearing should be conducted in order to examine the procedures followed by the agency, as well to review the policies issued by it. The article also suggested the implementation of the Inspector General’s recommendations as regards policy-making of the agency. Lastly, the author seeks to have an enactment of a law which will ensure enforcement of environmental justice issues.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is believed that the problem could be solved by first disseminating information as regards the subject matter. Through this, people will be aware of what is happening, how their rights are being affected, and how they could seek redress. By disseminating information, the process of government supervision and regulation will be more meticulous since the people affected can actually check if the actions of the government are to their favor and can actually solve the problem at hand. It is viewed that although government should take action in resolving this issue of discrimination in environmental location, the people actually affected should take part so that their opinions on the matter could properly be heard and considered. REFERENCE Robert Bullard, Paul Mohai, et.al.,â€Å"Toxic Wastes And Race At Twenty: 1987-2007 Grassroots Struggles to Dismantle Environmental Racism in the U.S.†, 2007, http://www.ejrc.cau.edu/TWARTreport.htm

Parmenides Argument For All Things Being Continuously One Philosophy Essay

Parmenides Argument For All Things Being Continuously One Philosophy Essay Describe and assess Parmenides argument for all things being continuously one. Parmenides argument for things being continuously one begins with the ways of inquiry into the reality of the world. He shows there to be the Way of truth and the Way of opinion. His criticism in his poem entitled On Nature is that the true nature of the reality of the world cannot be known by the way of opinion. The Way of opinion being the perception of the world as one would see it, not the reality of the world as these observations or perceptions only give truth to the appearance of the world. Appearance can be illusory. The way of truth on the other hand gives the follower of this route a true idea of the reality of the world as it is based on logical deduction and it is from this that Parmenides reasons that all things are continuously one. In On Nature Parmenides presents the possible way of truth in two ways with which one could deduce the world, one way being the way of it is the other being it is not. It in these propostions can be thought of as anything one is thinking about, the is to be thought of as exist. Accepting that is means exist Parmenides comes to the conclusion that thinking it is not is impossible. His argument is as follows. Anything that one can think of is something that can exist For something to be it is not cannot exist (something cannot be nothing) Therefore if thinking about something that cannot exist is impossible, one cannot think about something that is nothing (that is not) Armed with this conclusion, Parmenides then follows the way of truth that he has presented. In the world there is only it is as it is not is impossible and to think of the latter is impossible. To just empirically observe the world is not to know the reality of the world, such empirical observations would have you believe that the world is in constant motion; going through the constant changes of generation and destruction as a result of such movement. An example being Heraclitus statement that one cannot step into the same river twice as the waters are constantly moving and changing. In order these changes happen there must be space in the world in which all this movement can take place. This space; to be thought of as nothing or nothingness, is impossible by following the route of the way of truth. Thinking of nothing is thinking it is not and therefore impossible. There is no nothing, or what Democritus and Leucippus named a void, in which movement is possible. Without a void, Par menides states that everything must be unchanging. Heraclitus example of the river is to Parmenides the way of opinion; the appearance of the world but not the reality or truth. Generation and destruction also require nothing, generation; that something comes from nothing and destruction; that something will turn into nothing. Both are impossible to Parmenides and what he concludes from the impossibility of nothing is that all that what is is eternal. As well as eternal the world must be infinitely continuous as if it did end at some point then what would be beyond that point? Parmenides cant say nothing. Continuous with no spaces of nothingness the world is, in Parmenides own words from On Nature, full of what is. Let us look at Parmenides argument that concludes that thinking of something that is not is impossible. The first premise that anything we think about can exist seems valid. How would it seem possible to think of something that doesnt exist? Hume named thoughts ideas and reasoned that all ideas can be broken down to simple ideas built up in different ways, where these ideas came from was an impression of something perceived in the world. For example the idea of a blue horse is the amalgamation of the impressions of the colour blue and the animal named a horse. What about imaginative thoughts though? Imagine magic, the Harry Potter books are testament to the human imagination but magic doesnt exist. Hume would defend his argument by saying magic was the amalgamation of more simple ideas and mixed into something not possible, but Parmenides argument seems not allow for one to think of magic, but by typing these words or reading or them one has already thought of it. Also in this premis e how does Parmenides justify the existence of anything? To justify any existence would be to justify through the way of opinion, but he has said himself in On Nature that this is not the route to seek truth, in order seek truth one must follow the course started by the first premise in question. It seems almost contradictory of Parmenides to justify the way of truth by the way of opinion when the way of truth is taken by Parmenides to know the reality of the world as oppose to just the appearance granted by the way of opinion. The second premise, something cannot be nothing, seems sound, something indeed cannot be nothing. But let us in assessment accept the argument that Parmenides gives for the impossibility of it is not and see what we can make of this interpretation of nothing. Having accepted this must we accept the following conclusions that run from this argument, in entirety that the universe/world is continuously one? Accepting the conclusions depends upon the role played by nothing. Here in Parmenides argument the interpretation of nothing would be that nothingness is the necessary ingredient of change; the other being movement. Movement would be impossible if there was no place to move and a place to move must be unoccupied place; that being nothing. Does movement require nothing? Could there not be another form of vacantness that isnt necessarily nothing but allows movement? Aristotle replaces nothingness with space, space being a receptacle in which objects are placed in. By doing this Aristot le could be seen as accepting the argument of Parmenides that there is no nothing but not accepting what follows logically for Parmenides that everything is continuously one. Aristotles space is part of Parmenides what is and allows for the movement and all that follows it to happen; allowing Heraclitus to step in different rivers forever. Parmenides conclusion that there is no movement, no change, no destruction, no generation etc. almost seems counter intuitive. It seems that in the world there is movement and change. Parmenides said that his insight is an insight derived through logic; his central tenant being the impossibility of nothing, due to the contradiction pointed out that for nothing to exist; something would have to be nothing. But do his conclusions that the world is without start or end, and that it is infinite ask a few questions of logic themselves? If something never started how then can it exist? Everything it seems requires a start. The infinite has it self some strange paradoxes, one in mathematics being that there are as many even numbers in infinite as there are combined even and odd numbers; an infinite amount. Parmenides begins On Nature attempting to know the world without nothing something that he sees as illogical. Discarding nothing his logical conclusion leaves him with a set of descriptio ns of the world that seem slightly illogical in themselves.

Views on Poetry and Other Art Forms in Emersons The Poet :: Emerson Poet Essays

Views on Poetry and Other Art Forms in Emerson's The Poet Emerson's "The Poet: An Essay," is packed with statements, and ideas that contradict each other in many ways. His use of lofty language and ego driven ideals are built to confuse the average reader and are clearly not meant for the purpose of entertainment. As a reader, I found the text to be confusing and unfounded in its theories about man's connection with nature. Firstly, Emerson starts right off by throwing a wrench in his own works. His description of admirers of fine art and sculpture is nothing more than a generalization. One cannot make such sweeping statements about a group of people. There are always exceptions to the rule. I am sure that many admirers of fine art know a lot about the subject and have very good reasons for liking what they do. Not only does Emerson slam the artistic elite, but his whole essay is an embodiment of the ideals he is trying to dispel in these first few sentences. Emerson treats poetry in the exact same manner in which he scoffs at in the beginning of the essay. The author feels that The "true poet" is our closest connection with nature. I am very sure that there are people who admire paintings of a fine nature scene, and they surely feel that it is our closest connection with nature. Words are not the only way to express oneself in a connecting way with nature. This brings me to another sweeping generalization that Emerson makes in the body of this essay. He actually makes the statement that words to a song are not poetry in a sense. Being a musician, I strongly disagree with such a statement. Song lyrics can be just as touching as any other type of poetry. In fact, this type of poetry has another added bonus besides the words. This is called music! Music itself can even stand alone in painting a very vibrant picture of nature with no words at all. This is more of an accomplishment, because the author is not allowed to use words in his sound painting. Music that describes nature without the use of language is still using symbolism to convey the connection between man and nature. The difference is that a violin might symbolize the wind instead of a bunch of words.

EarthQuakes Essay example -- essays research papers fc

Earthquakes Earthquakes, one of the most destructive natural phenomena, consist of rapid vibrations of rock near the earth's surface. Because of their unpredictable occurrence and enormous capacity of destruction, they have brought fear to mankind since ancient times. A single shock usually lasts no more than a few seconds, but a series of smaller quakes may last for as long as five minutes. The quake felt on the surface is always the result, not the cause of some underground geologic process, and in many cases the damage done is immense. The Greek word for shaking, and (when applied to the earth) earthquake, is seismos. Therefore, the science of earthquakes is called seismology (World Book Dictionary 1985). Earthquakes have been recorded as early as 526 A.C., but seismology is comparatively new. Until the 18th century, few accurate descriptions of earthquakes were recorded, and little was known about what caused them. When seismology was introduced it was learned that many earthquakes are the result of sea floor spreading, but most are caused by volcanic eruptions and plate tectonics. The plate tectonic theory explains that the earth is made up of 20 different plates that are always moving slowly past each other. This action pulls and compacts the plates, creating intense forces that cause the plates to break. This, in turn, causes earthquakes. The energy released then travels along fault lines in seismic waves (World Book Encyclopedia). Seismic waves are either P-waves (primary), or S-waves (secondary). P-waves create a relatively low wave train and arrive at the surface first. On the surface they create a push-pull effect, thus moving the surface up and down. Their low amplitude and vertical movement create an effect much like a dangling slinky. S-waves arrive second and are much more damaging. The high amplitude of S-waves, combined with their horizontal movement cause crippling effects on the earth’s surface and man made structures (Watkins, Bottino, and Morisawa 30-32). Earthquakes occur around us all the time. Most are too small to notice and cause little to no damage. However, every so often large earthquakes do occur. Large earthquakes leave catastrophic damage a... ...On shifting ground p.17-19) Earthquakes that occur in the area surrounding the Pacific Ocean, at the edges of the Pacific plate, are responsible for an average of 80 percent of the energy released in earthquakes worldwide. Japan is shaken by more than 1000 tremors greater than 3.5 in magnitude each year. The western coasts of North and South America are very also active earthquake zones, with several thousand small to moderate earthquakes each year. (U.S.G.S.) Intraplate earthquakes are less frequent than plate boundary earthquakes, but they are still caused by the internal fracturing of rock masses. The New Madrid, Missouri, earthquakes of 1811 and 1812 were extreme examples of intraplate seismic events. Scientists estimate that the three main earthquakes of this series were about magnitude 8.0 and that there were at least 1500 aftershocks. (The ocean of truth p.67-69) Bibliography "Earthquake† World Book Encyclopedia. Vol. 6. 1987. "Seismos." World Book Dictionary. Vol. L-Z. Ed. Barnhart, Clarence L., and Robert K. Barnhart. 1987 Watkins, Joel s., Michael L. Bottino, and Marie Morisawa. Our Geological Environment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 1975.