Directions: Answer any five of the questions below. Answers should be around 200 words each. Submit typed work to D2L via the “Assignments” tab. Just start typing below the question to answer it. If you create a new document, be sure to number the questions according to what they are numbered here.
Due: See the course schedule for applicable due dates.
References to textbook are always Winter’s Economics of Crime.
- Based on Chapter 4, offer economic arguments in favor of, or in opposition to, the death penalty. Clearly specify which position you are choosing and mention empirical evidence, with proper citations, to support your answer.
- Should we televise executions?
This was a common practice for centuries (e.g. Roman gladiators fought to enact death sentences, the French attended beheadings via the guillotine, Americans would watch hangings carried out behind jailhouses, etc.), but we have now moved away from this practice. This is your opinion, but back up your opinion with facts. Then, explain what effect you think this would have on the deterrent effect if we brought the practice back. - Based on Chapter 7, explain why it is difficult to justify social control of addictive substances to protect individuals from themselves. What kind of external costs does drug abuse create?
- Why do crack dealers still live with their mothers? Refer to the Freakonomics reading to answer this question.
- Should the United States legalize marijuana?
Many states have been moving to legalize marijuana (at least medically) based on the benefits it offers medicinally, while other states remain firmly opposed. Argue in favor of, or in opposition of, the legalization of marijuana in the United States. Two things to keep in mind: (1) Make sure you are answering about legalization not decriminalization. They are two different ideas. (2) Specifically cite the economic issues. - Discuss the link between unemployment and crime. Lawmakers tend to focus on crime more than unemployment. Why do you think this is? Name a specific social policy to improve the situation. Explain why it would help.
- From the American Prison readings, what did you learn from the book that you didn’t about the US prison system before? What revelations about the past or present surprised you the most? Do you think the private prison industry can somehow be reformed?