Blog 6
1) I see child abuse as any type of physical, sexual, or emotional harm done to a child.
2) I don't think that spanking is child abuse. A lot of parents spank their children as punishment for misbehaving. However, there is a line that can be crossed. I think that spanking your child should be allowed, however actually harming your child is wrong and spanking shouldn't be a relied upon method of punishing a child.
3) Obviously, if excessive punishment is occurring, it should be a public concern. A stern talking to or even a light smack are acceptable forms of punishing a child in public. However, there's always a fine line between acceptable punishment and abuse that should be appreciated. Any kind of actions that could lead to actual physical harm or emotional harm would count as unacceptable forms of child punishment.
1) Illinois state law regarding child pornography dates back to 1961 with the creation of: Illinois Compiled Statutes 720 ILCS 5 Criminal Code of 1961. Section 11-20.1
-depicts or portrays by means of any similar visual medium or
reproduction or depicts by computer any child whom he or she knows or
reasonably should know to be under the age of 18 and at least 13 years
of age or any severely or profoundly mentally retarded person where such
child or severely or profoundly mentally retarded person is:
(i) actually or by simulation engaged in any act
of sexual penetration or sexual conduct with any person or animal; or
(ii) actually or by simulation engaged in any act
- It's also notable that the law includes computer depictions of anyone under the age of 18.
- Violation of this law is a class 1 felony, punishable by a mandatory minimum fine of $2,000 and a maximum fine of
$100,000. A prison sentence of up to 10 years may also be levied.
-Illinois state law compares sexting to child pornography laws. Anyone found guilty of sexting may be charged with production, possession, or distribution of child pornography. Illinois defines sexting as sharing nude pictures over cell phone or other electronic means.
- With regards to sexting, I'm not sure where I stand on the issue. It can obviously be a form of child pornography and severely damaging to all parties involved. However, it's often times between two underage consenting teens. Having to register as a sex offender can destroy someone's life. Sexting when you're underage is pretty irresponsible behavior... But I'm not really sure where I stand. I think it should be addressed on a case-by-case manner.
-Recently, Illinois passed a bill addressing sexting- "Under the Illinois proposal, teens who send racy images to just each
other would not be punished—only those who decide to widely distribute
those images (usually as part of an attempt to blackmail or embarrass
the sender). Those found guilty of sending the texts would be subject to
juvenile court supervision, but wouldn't get labeled a sex offender for
possessing an image of a minor, as would be appropriate under current
Illinois law." http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2010/04/illinois-moving-forward-with-kinder-gentler-teen-sexting-bill/
In the news:
http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/boy-scouts-release-sex-abuse-files-many-illinois-children-victimized-311454.php
I think that this article affected me the most because it's about child victimization that occurred in a boy scout troop in Chicago. The boy scouts are an organization that a lot of children are a part of and it's seen as a safe environment for children to be in. The article also mentions that Illinois has the 6th highest rate of abuse cases that occurred in Boy Scout troops.
Media
Eminem- My Mom
The song addresses how his mom was messed up on drugs and would drug her kid up by slipping Valium into his food. The song also talks about how Eminem's teachers were verbally abusive towards him.
The book A Child Called It is a pretty famous book about an extreme case of child abuse. The author Dave Pelzer recounts the events leading up to him being placed in foster care. It's a pretty controversial book and many people claim the events are exaggerated because they seem so insane. However, the book is a fantastic read and really brought the issue of child abuse into the public's eye.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Blog 5
Murder and homicide are not the same thing. Homicide is the taking of a person's life, either unintentionally (negligent), or intentionally (self defense). Murder is homicide with criminal intent. Ultimately, murder is always an illegal act and homicide can often be legal or justifiable.
Murder can is categorized under three different types (or degrees). First degree murder, the most serious, is defined as murder that is "will full or premeditated." Second degree murder is murder that isn't planned in advance or premeditated. Killing a person in a fight would constitute because the murder wasn't premeditated, but there was a possibility of death occurring. Finally, third degree murder, or manslaughter, occurs when a person unintentionally kills another person through negligence.
Types of homicide include justifiable or negligent. Justifiable homicide is a killing that occurs through self defense. Certain states have "castle" laws that allow for the killing of another if the act occurs in a home and is required for self defense. Negligent homicide is a criminal matter that occurs when criminal negligence leads directly to the death of another person.
In The News: http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/Nathan-Leuthold-indicted-on-two-counts-of-first-degree-murder-200122731.html
Nathan Leuthold was indicted by a grand jury for the murder of his wife, Denise Leuthold. Nathan was accused of shooting his wife and then staging a break in at their home. A note found in the home claimed that Denise found out her husband was having an affair and was worried that Nathan might want her dead. Not much else was mentioned by the media other than some basic facts surrounding the events. The indictment was made 5 days ago.
Popular Media:
Ice Cube has a popular song about murder in the hood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWfbGGZE07M. I think the song addresses first degree murder because Ice Cube makes mention of taking care of business and having to use his gun to accomplish that.
Another song about murder is by Snoop Dogg: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do4fA8tONY4. The song addresses murder that resulted from a robbery gone wrong. This would tie in to felony murder, or first degree murder because it occurred during the commission of a felony robbery.
Murder and homicide are not the same thing. Homicide is the taking of a person's life, either unintentionally (negligent), or intentionally (self defense). Murder is homicide with criminal intent. Ultimately, murder is always an illegal act and homicide can often be legal or justifiable.
Murder can is categorized under three different types (or degrees). First degree murder, the most serious, is defined as murder that is "will full or premeditated." Second degree murder is murder that isn't planned in advance or premeditated. Killing a person in a fight would constitute because the murder wasn't premeditated, but there was a possibility of death occurring. Finally, third degree murder, or manslaughter, occurs when a person unintentionally kills another person through negligence.
Types of homicide include justifiable or negligent. Justifiable homicide is a killing that occurs through self defense. Certain states have "castle" laws that allow for the killing of another if the act occurs in a home and is required for self defense. Negligent homicide is a criminal matter that occurs when criminal negligence leads directly to the death of another person.
In The News: http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/Nathan-Leuthold-indicted-on-two-counts-of-first-degree-murder-200122731.html
Nathan Leuthold was indicted by a grand jury for the murder of his wife, Denise Leuthold. Nathan was accused of shooting his wife and then staging a break in at their home. A note found in the home claimed that Denise found out her husband was having an affair and was worried that Nathan might want her dead. Not much else was mentioned by the media other than some basic facts surrounding the events. The indictment was made 5 days ago.
Popular Media:
Ice Cube has a popular song about murder in the hood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWfbGGZE07M. I think the song addresses first degree murder because Ice Cube makes mention of taking care of business and having to use his gun to accomplish that.
Another song about murder is by Snoop Dogg: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do4fA8tONY4. The song addresses murder that resulted from a robbery gone wrong. This would tie in to felony murder, or first degree murder because it occurred during the commission of a felony robbery.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Blog #4
Mob violence is a gathering of people who are engaging in unlawful civil disorder. A riot or lynching are two examples of mob violence.
In June of 2011, a group of 60-70 individuals marched into a predominantly white neighborhood and began yelling racially motivated threats towards the residents. The group, consisting mostly of African-American males began to assault white residents and block of streets. Prior to this display of violence, other racially motivated actions had taken place in the same neighborhood. Although, there weren't any clear motivating factors reported by police. The media didn't seem to really report much on the violence as being racially motivated. Allegations of racial motivation seem to mostly come from the neighborhood residents. portrayed the white residents as the victims and the African-American males as the offenders.
In the media:
Bob Marley has a fantastic song about mob violence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=M99nzyiS830 The song addresses looting in order to obtain food that's unavailable because enough isn't provided.
Ice Cube addresses the Watt's and Miami riots in his song We Had to Tear This Mother Fucker Up:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8V66bxvM2Q The song perfectly exemplifies the atmosphere of riots and events surrounding most of the racial riots that took place decades ago.
Mob violence is a gathering of people who are engaging in unlawful civil disorder. A riot or lynching are two examples of mob violence.
- Rioting usually occurs when a civil protest or lawful gathering of people gets out of hand. Although there may be some kind of leader or purpose to the riot, they are often characterized by a "group mentality" with rioters losing their sense of individuality. The Occupy Wall-Street movement of Oakland California resulted in a riot when police and protestors clashed. The Miami riots of 1980 are another example of a riot that resulted in the death of three people and the national guard being called to intervene.
- Lynch mob is a term that most people know to describe a group of people intent on dealing their own form of punishment.
In June of 2011, a group of 60-70 individuals marched into a predominantly white neighborhood and began yelling racially motivated threats towards the residents. The group, consisting mostly of African-American males began to assault white residents and block of streets. Prior to this display of violence, other racially motivated actions had taken place in the same neighborhood. Although, there weren't any clear motivating factors reported by police. The media didn't seem to really report much on the violence as being racially motivated. Allegations of racial motivation seem to mostly come from the neighborhood residents. portrayed the white residents as the victims and the African-American males as the offenders.
In the media:
Bob Marley has a fantastic song about mob violence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=M99nzyiS830 The song addresses looting in order to obtain food that's unavailable because enough isn't provided.
Ice Cube addresses the Watt's and Miami riots in his song We Had to Tear This Mother Fucker Up:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8V66bxvM2Q The song perfectly exemplifies the atmosphere of riots and events surrounding most of the racial riots that took place decades ago.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Blog Assignment 3- Sexual Assualt in Illinois
Total Population (2011): 12,869,257
Forcible Rapes Reported: 3,708
Statute of Limitations:
Illinois has plenty of legislation regarding the statute of limitations for sexual offenses. For the most part, the statute of limitations is 3 years for felonies and 18 months for misdomeanors. However, in offenses involving minors, the statute of limitations can extend to 10 years after the offense. The most important factor in determining the length of the statute of limitations is victim age and whether or not the crime was reported to the police. In cases with extended statute of limitations, the crime must be reported to the authorities within 3 years of happening. The state also has a special provision for cases involving DNA evidence. Specifically, there is no statuate of limitations if the victim is murderd during the course of the sexual offense.
720 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/3-5 General limitations
(b) For all felonies, within 3 years after commission of the offense
(b) For all misdemeanors, within 18 months after commission of the offense
720 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/3-6 Extended limitations
Illinois defines criminal sexual assault as: Committing an act of sexual penetration under the threat of violence/force, or if the victim is unable to provide consent or understand the nature of the act. Criminal sexual assault also occcurs when the victim is between the ages of 13-18 when the offense occured and the offender was 17 or older and in a position of power over the victim. Criminal sexual assault is a class 1 felony. Statuatory rape occurs when the accused is over the age of 17 and the victim is between the ages of 13. In 2003 Illinois became the first state to pass a law allowing for anyone to withdraw consent at any time. If either party says "No" or "Stop" at any time, the other person must stop or the activity becomes forcible rape.
In The News
In a recent case, a man was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual assault and sentenced to serve 30 years. The man, Jamal Patrick Jones Jr, was convicted of sexually assualting a 19 year old Southern Illinois University student. The conviction was announced in October of 2012.
http://thesouthern.com/news/local/jones-sentenced-to-years-for-rape/article_ced4072c-1427-11e2-beff-001a4bcf887a.html
In The Media
Date Rape by Sublime is a pretty well known song addressing rape. The song follows a girl who is date raped and the following trial and conviction. The song is important because it does a lot to address the issue of date rape and the idea of it "being the girls fault." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OljUFBypUgk
This piece of media is from the UK and addresses rape within teen relationships, an issue that I think is really overlooked. The goal of the PSA is to raise awarness for dating violence, something that a lot of teens tend to overlook or quickly dismiss. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/07/teen-rape-psa-controversi_n_1326490.html
Total Population (2011): 12,869,257
Forcible Rapes Reported: 3,708
Statute of Limitations:
Illinois has plenty of legislation regarding the statute of limitations for sexual offenses. For the most part, the statute of limitations is 3 years for felonies and 18 months for misdomeanors. However, in offenses involving minors, the statute of limitations can extend to 10 years after the offense. The most important factor in determining the length of the statute of limitations is victim age and whether or not the crime was reported to the police. In cases with extended statute of limitations, the crime must be reported to the authorities within 3 years of happening. The state also has a special provision for cases involving DNA evidence. Specifically, there is no statuate of limitations if the victim is murderd during the course of the sexual offense.
720 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/3-5 General limitations
720 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/3-6 Extended limitations
- (d) A prosecution for indecent solicitation of a child or exploitation of a child may be commenced within 1 year of the victim attaining the age of 18 years. However, in no case shall the time period for prosecution expire sooner than 3 years after the commission of the offense.
- (e) Except as otherwise provided in (j), for any offense involving sexual conduct or sexual penetration where the defendant was within a professional or fiduciary relationship or a purported professional or fiduciary relationship with the victim at the time of the commission of the offense may be commenced within 1 year after the discovery by the victim.
- (i) Except as otherwise provided in (j), for the following offenses, within 10 years after commission of the offense, so long as victim reported the offense to law enforcement authorities within 3 years after commission of the offense:
- Criminal sexual assault (§ 5/11-1.20)
- Aggravated criminal sexual assault (§ 5/11-1.30)
- Aggravated criminal sexual abuse (§ 5/11-1.60)
- (j) For the following offenses when victim was under 18 at the time of commission of the offense, within 20 years after child victimattains the age of 18:
- Criminal sexual assault (§ 5/11-1.20)
- Aggravated criminal sexual assault (§ 5/11-1.30)
- Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child (§ 5/11.1.40)
- Aggravated criminal sexual abuse (§ 5/11-1.60)
- Felony criminal sexual abuse (§ 5/11-1.50)
- (a) (2) No limit for any offense involving sexual conduct or sexual penetration in which the DNA profile of the offender is obtained and entered into a DNA database within 10 years after commission of the offense and the identity of the offender is unknown after a diligent investigation by law enforcement authorities; applies if:
- Victim reported the offense to law enforcement authorities within 3 years after commission of the offense unless a longer period for reporting the offense is provided in § 5/3-6, or
- Victim is murdered during the course of the offense or within 2 years after commission of the offense
Illinois defines criminal sexual assault as: Committing an act of sexual penetration under the threat of violence/force, or if the victim is unable to provide consent or understand the nature of the act. Criminal sexual assault also occcurs when the victim is between the ages of 13-18 when the offense occured and the offender was 17 or older and in a position of power over the victim. Criminal sexual assault is a class 1 felony. Statuatory rape occurs when the accused is over the age of 17 and the victim is between the ages of 13. In 2003 Illinois became the first state to pass a law allowing for anyone to withdraw consent at any time. If either party says "No" or "Stop" at any time, the other person must stop or the activity becomes forcible rape.
In The News
In a recent case, a man was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual assault and sentenced to serve 30 years. The man, Jamal Patrick Jones Jr, was convicted of sexually assualting a 19 year old Southern Illinois University student. The conviction was announced in October of 2012.
http://thesouthern.com/news/local/jones-sentenced-to-years-for-rape/article_ced4072c-1427-11e2-beff-001a4bcf887a.html
In The Media
Date Rape by Sublime is a pretty well known song addressing rape. The song follows a girl who is date raped and the following trial and conviction. The song is important because it does a lot to address the issue of date rape and the idea of it "being the girls fault." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OljUFBypUgk
This piece of media is from the UK and addresses rape within teen relationships, an issue that I think is really overlooked. The goal of the PSA is to raise awarness for dating violence, something that a lot of teens tend to overlook or quickly dismiss. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/07/teen-rape-psa-controversi_n_1326490.html
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Blog Assignment 2
Hate Crimes
Population: 9,959,109
Hate Crimes Reported: 69
Illinois describes any crime where a person's "race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin" are motivating factors. Furthermore, any attack against places of worship, schools, educational facilities or community centers because of a person's perceived race, creed, sexual orientation, and national origin is also considered a hate crime. Illinois provides civil and criminal penalties for the commission of any kind of hate crime.
Statute 720 Ill. Comp. Laws Ann. 5/12-7.1 (2010):
—"A person commits hate crime when, by reason of the actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin of another individual or group of individuals, regardless of the existence of any other motivating factor or factors, he commits assault, battery, aggravated assault, misdemeanor theft, criminal trespass to residence, misdemeanor criminal damage to property, criminal trespass to vehicle, criminal trespass to real property, mob action or disorderly conduct"
Illinois also explicitly states that burning a cross is grounds for hate crime charges is the act is malicious and intended to intimidate a person or group of people. Vandalism is also grounds for possible hate crime charges if the act is perpetrated against a place of worship or community gathering center. Illinois has very specific definitions of what a hate crime is, unlike other states with broad definitions.
In The News
An Illinois man was jumped by a large group of people and beat while having homophobic slurs yelled at him.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57421354-504083/gay-illinois-state-student-claims-attack-was-a-hate-crime/
Media
American History X is a fantastic movie about hate crimes and racism. Edward Norton plays a white supremacist and trys to save his brother from traveling down the same road that put him in jail.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120586/
Screwdriver is a neo-nazi rock band that promotes hate and racism through their music. The band was paramount in the neo-nazi rock scene and helped form the "rock against communism movement."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR0YwWDKJnM
Hate Crimes
Population: 9,959,109
Hate Crimes Reported: 69
Illinois describes any crime where a person's "race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin" are motivating factors. Furthermore, any attack against places of worship, schools, educational facilities or community centers because of a person's perceived race, creed, sexual orientation, and national origin is also considered a hate crime. Illinois provides civil and criminal penalties for the commission of any kind of hate crime.
Statute 720 Ill. Comp. Laws Ann. 5/12-7.1 (2010):
—"A person commits hate crime when, by reason of the actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin of another individual or group of individuals, regardless of the existence of any other motivating factor or factors, he commits assault, battery, aggravated assault, misdemeanor theft, criminal trespass to residence, misdemeanor criminal damage to property, criminal trespass to vehicle, criminal trespass to real property, mob action or disorderly conduct"
Illinois also explicitly states that burning a cross is grounds for hate crime charges is the act is malicious and intended to intimidate a person or group of people. Vandalism is also grounds for possible hate crime charges if the act is perpetrated against a place of worship or community gathering center. Illinois has very specific definitions of what a hate crime is, unlike other states with broad definitions.
In The News
An Illinois man was jumped by a large group of people and beat while having homophobic slurs yelled at him.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57421354-504083/gay-illinois-state-student-claims-attack-was-a-hate-crime/
Media
American History X is a fantastic movie about hate crimes and racism. Edward Norton plays a white supremacist and trys to save his brother from traveling down the same road that put him in jail.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120586/
Screwdriver is a neo-nazi rock band that promotes hate and racism through their music. The band was paramount in the neo-nazi rock scene and helped form the "rock against communism movement."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR0YwWDKJnM
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Blog Assignment 1
Illinois state law recognizes domestic violence as a serious crime involving the abuse of another family member. Illinois defines family members as those who are related by blood, are married, share a home/dwelling, share common children, people who are dating, and people with disabilities. State law defines domestic violence as abuse, physical assaults, threats, harassment, neglect, exploitation, or any behavior that interferes with the personal liberty of another family/household member. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act protects any family or household member, adults with disabilities, and any minor or dependent. Under Illinois law, domestic battery occurs when a person knowingly inflicts bodily harm to any family/household member, or fakes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature. Furthermore, Illinois law dictates that domestic battery is a Class A misdemeanor that carries up to 1 year in prison. A second domestic battery conviction is a Class 4
felony and carries a prison sentence of 1 to 3 years.
Leaving an abusive relationship is dangerous and often times extremely hard to do if there is no support network for the victim. Illinois has dozens of shelters across the state to help people in violent situations and Chicago alone has 19 places for people to seek refuge. One such place, Between Friends, was founded in 1986. Between Friends provides a plethora of services for victims of domestic violence including a crisis line, counseling, court advocacy, and education efforts. All of these services are offered free of charge. http://www.betweenfriendschicago.org/aboutus.html
The Illinois department of human services also maintains a 24-hour toll free hotline available to anyone in need: 1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338
Media Aspect:
Elaine Weiss wrote a popular book on DV titled: Surviving Domestic Violence: Voices of Women Who Broke Free
http://books.google.com/books/about/Surviving_Domestic_Violence.html?id=eSPZzKibNnYC
The 2009 movie "Precious" is about an abused child: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0929632/
Leaving an abusive relationship is dangerous and often times extremely hard to do if there is no support network for the victim. Illinois has dozens of shelters across the state to help people in violent situations and Chicago alone has 19 places for people to seek refuge. One such place, Between Friends, was founded in 1986. Between Friends provides a plethora of services for victims of domestic violence including a crisis line, counseling, court advocacy, and education efforts. All of these services are offered free of charge. http://www.betweenfriendschicago.org/aboutus.html
The Illinois department of human services also maintains a 24-hour toll free hotline available to anyone in need: 1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338
Media Aspect:
Elaine Weiss wrote a popular book on DV titled: Surviving Domestic Violence: Voices of Women Who Broke Free
http://books.google.com/books/about/Surviving_Domestic_Violence.html?id=eSPZzKibNnYC
The 2009 movie "Precious" is about an abused child: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0929632/
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