Victims, Offenders, and the Law essays

Victims, Offenders, and the Law essays By the time most of us reach adulthood we have undergone countless experiences which bring home the fact that life issues can rarely and conclusively be categorized as good or bad. The older we get, the larger are the grey areas' amongst our collection of absolutes. This fact is made most apparent in the field of criminal justice. It is while trying to analyze, evaluate and adjudicate amongst the foibles, frailties, and passions of humanity that it becomes increasingly difficult to draw a clear line between the innocent and the guilty, or the victim and the offender. Laws are formulated to ensure the safety and security of all members of society. In crimes involving force often more complex elements than mere malice are present. Statistics show that most violent crimes are perpetrated by individuals that have close relationships with the victims. About 50% of all homicides are perpetrated by a member of the victim's close family, often parent or spouse. When murders by more distant relatives, friends and acquaintances are taken into account, this figure rises to about 80%. Whether these are cases of child, wife or parent abuse, the ultimate crime is usually the consequence of a chronic problem. Should a battered and abused woman who kills her abuser be tried on the same grounds as a person who murders an innocent for self-gratification alone' Should a person who has been intolerably humiliated or terrified before he attacks his or her antagonist be considered a victim or an offender' The lines and limits of correct behavior are easily blurred. Such controversial questions are the reason clauses such as the Defense of Provocation' were introduced. It is due to the changes in societal values, culture, and ethical perceptions that such laws need constant review and modification. The main question remains however that; should any provocation ever be enough to justify r...