Wedding Cake Model
Title: Criminal Justice and the Wedding Cake
The Four Layers
Abstract
This paper explores the four layers of the criminal justice system. It gives a brief over view of the different layers when referencing the Wedding Cake Model. The justice system can be quite complicated and this model can help understand the different levels of offense, what they represent and how they are handled in the justice system. However there are many diverse circumstances and conditions that are examined when a crime is committed. Each detail aids in making the decision to which layer the crime belongs.
Criminal Justice and the Wedding Cake
The Four Layers
The Criminal Justice System is very complex. Each crime falls into a certain category and is then it is decided how the case will be conducted. Many assume that an arrest is made, a court date is set and then they are set free or imprisoned. There is more detail that takes place before a judge makes a ruling. Samuel Walker a justice historian gave the criminal justice system its term “The Wedding Cake Model” The four layers and the size of each layer disclose the magnitude of the crime and its importance. It is concluded that the Criminal Justice System handles each type of crime differently.
The first layer of the cake and the smallest layer are known as the Celebrated layer. It is built around the wealthy and famous people who receive a lot of media attention when they take part in committing a crime. The people in this level have all the tools and money to make certain they have the top lawyers to assist in their legal battles. Examples of this type of layer is the case of OJ Simpson for the murder of his wife, Michael Jackson for child molestation charges and Michael Vick for dog fighting. ( Berger, R.T, 2008)
The second layer contains serious felonies. These cases will be held and prosecuted with severe attention. The size of this layer is slightly smaller than the first layer of the Wedding Cake Model.
The Four Layers
Abstract
This paper explores the four layers of the criminal justice system. It gives a brief over view of the different layers when referencing the Wedding Cake Model. The justice system can be quite complicated and this model can help understand the different levels of offense, what they represent and how they are handled in the justice system. However there are many diverse circumstances and conditions that are examined when a crime is committed. Each detail aids in making the decision to which layer the crime belongs.
Criminal Justice and the Wedding Cake
The Four Layers
The Criminal Justice System is very complex. Each crime falls into a certain category and is then it is decided how the case will be conducted. Many assume that an arrest is made, a court date is set and then they are set free or imprisoned. There is more detail that takes place before a judge makes a ruling. Samuel Walker a justice historian gave the criminal justice system its term “The Wedding Cake Model” The four layers and the size of each layer disclose the magnitude of the crime and its importance. It is concluded that the Criminal Justice System handles each type of crime differently.
The first layer of the cake and the smallest layer are known as the Celebrated layer. It is built around the wealthy and famous people who receive a lot of media attention when they take part in committing a crime. The people in this level have all the tools and money to make certain they have the top lawyers to assist in their legal battles. Examples of this type of layer is the case of OJ Simpson for the murder of his wife, Michael Jackson for child molestation charges and Michael Vick for dog fighting. ( Berger, R.T, 2008)
The second layer contains serious felonies. These cases will be held and prosecuted with severe attention. The size of this layer is slightly smaller than the first layer of the Wedding Cake Model.
References: Berger, R. T (2008) High Profile Celebrity Court Cases: An Investigation into the Audience, Google Books Randall G. Shelden . (November 30,2007). www.sheldensays.com. In undefined. Retrieved January 18, 2013, from http://www.sheldensays.com/index.htm.