Tuesday, December 24, 2019
How Steinbeck Uses Foreshadowing and Settings Effectively
How does Steinbeck use Foreshadowing and Settings effectively in Of Mice and Men? John Ernst Steinbeckââ¬â¢s Of Mice and Men uses a lot of foreshadowing and clever settings effectively, which makes his novel a great book. The use of foreshadowing entices the reader and makes you want to read on. The well-described settings make a vivid image of what is actually going on and help us think what it really was like during the 1930ââ¬â¢s. Steinbeck uses masses of foreshadowing throughout his book. For instance, Steinbeck refers to Lennie as an animal. ââ¬Å"Lennie dabbled his big paw in the waterâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ George, later in the book, says ââ¬Å"Everââ¬â¢ Sunday weââ¬â¢d kill a chicken or rabbit. Maybe weââ¬â¢d have a cow or goat.â⬠At the end of the book George kills Lennie. Thisâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Steinbeckââ¬â¢s choice was well-thought as he intelligently linked the loneliness with the isolation of Crooks and also the feeling of seclusion in Curleyââ¬â¢s wife which made her want company from Lennie. In addition, at the start of the sixth chapter the description of the setting almost literally summarises the whole chapter. A topic sentence if you like. ââ¬Å"The deep green pool of the Salinas River was still in the late afternoon. Already the sun had left the valley to go climbing up the slopes of the Gabilan Mountains, and the hilltops were rosy in the sun. But by the pool among the mottled sycamores, a pleasant shade had fallen.â⬠This paragraph has many details which point to failure and the dream disappearing. The stillness of the river in late afternoon represents death, danger and the fact that tension is rising. The point that the sun had left the valley is personification and brings an awareness that the dream had vanished and nothing good was left. The bit about the pleasant shade that had fallen is a big indication that there was something good, but that was now in the past and only bad was going to happen. Finally, in conclusion Steinbeckââ¬â¢s uses of foreshadowing and settings are extremely effective not only on the reader, but on the characters. The view of the characters is reflected on the settings and brings each and every one of them toShow MoreRelatedLiterary Comparison of of Mice and Men, the Pearl, and Cannery Row2335 Words à |à 10 PagesLiterary Style John Steinbeck is an author who wrote in the early 1900s that makes use of setting, characterization, theme, irony, foreshadowing, and symbolism in his many novels. Steinbeck has modeled most of his work off of his own life. His home state, California, has been found to be the setting for some of his novels. Cannery Row, Of Mice and Men, and The Pearl are all novels by John Steinbeck. These novels not only encompass rich sensory details of each setting, but also use characterization,Read MoreOmam Essay Questions2412 Words à |à 10 Pagescompared with having animal characteristics.â⬠and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws.à Such representations of Lennie, as an animal, colour how we respond and perceive him as and how accountable we hold him for his tedious actions. Therefore, it is significant that Steinbeck immediately mentions an animal when he first describes Lennie to allow us to wonder about him in such a manner in specific si tuations. After walking into the clearing, Lennie s firstRead MoreAmerican Literature11652 Words à |à 47 Pagesutopia use of reason history is an act of individual and national self-assertion Genre/Style: ï⠷ ï⠷ ï⠷ ï⠷ ï⠷ political pamphlets travel writing highly ornate writing style fiction employs generic plots and characters fiction often tells the story of how an innocent young woman is tested by a seductive male Effect: ï⠷ ï⠷ ï⠷ ï⠷ patriotism grows instills pride creates common agreement about issues shows differences between Americans and Europeans Historical Context: ï⠷ ï⠷ tells readers how toRead MoreStudy Guide Literary Terms7657 Words à |à 31 Pagesgiven arms, legs, facial features, human locomotion or other anthropoid form. (This technique is often incorrectly called personification.)The King and Queen of Hearts and their playing-card courtiers comprise only one example of Carrollââ¬â¢s extensive use of anthropomorphism in Aliceââ¬â¢s Adventures in Wonderland 9. Aphorism-A brief statement which expresses an observation on life, usually intended as a wise observation. Benjamin Franklins Poor Richards Almanac contains numerous examples, one of
Monday, December 16, 2019
Working as a Team Free Essays
1. Introduction People form teams to accomplish a shard goal or task and have done so since the beginning of human history. For instance, cavemen building a fire together, students working on a group project, or basketball players playing on the same team, the need for teamwork is becoming greater. We will write a custom essay sample on Working as a Team or any similar topic only for you Order Now Parker (2011) suggests that teamwork is essential for business organizations to achieve success. Nowadays, working efficiently with others in a team is a key skill in order to survive in the competitive world of work. In any global business, certain skills and strategies are needed to incorporate into developing teams to maintain effective outcomes. The range of skills includes motivation, conflict management and team goals. This essay will examine the three mentioned aspects of teamwork that would prepare a person to work effectively in a team environment, supported by two real world examples for each aspect to show how individuals in organizations work successfully as active team players. 2. Body Firstly, motivation is an essential element in team-based workplaces. Workers are not mechanism, when they are asked to do the same tasks repeatedly, they will easily lose their interest or passion for their jobs. Consequently, a good way to keep team membersââ¬â¢ passion is to motivate them. Motivation theory is one of the most vital theories in Human Resource Management. Armstrong (2001, p. 155) explains the motivation theory is applicable in organizations where they motivate their team members to utilize their skills and knowledge. This would aid at surpassing the organizationsââ¬â¢ goals and improve the capability to provide better for their teams. According to a research conducted by Macky and Johnson (2003, p. 82), the result shows that when teams are provided with a satisfactory workplace reflecting each personal necessity and requirement, instead of a higher wage or bonus, members are motivated to work harder and more efficiently. This indicates that using beneficial motivators is becoming more important in nowadays business. In the operation of organizations, examples show motivation plays an important role in achieving success. Howard Schultz, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Google Inc. hich is based in California, considers that the success of the company is to put their employees as the first priority in its offices. According to the official website of Google (2011), the company offers a great range of benefits, including dining facilities, aerobics studios, laundry rooms, massage rooms, haircuts, car wash service and more. He firmly believes that ââ¬Å"appreciation is the best motivationâ⬠, by providing a f un and inspiring workspace, team members are able to work in a positive atmosphere. This means team partners can motivate each other to satisfy their own needs, thus a greater opportunity to offer a higher level of performance (Google, 2011). Schultz is the CEO of Starbucks, an international coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, USA, applies the same principle that employees matter just as much as products do. Michelli (2008) states that Starbucks provides a variety of welfare measures for the Starbucks teams, for instance, accommodation discounts, medical insurance, and vacations. This shows when the company satisfies team membersââ¬â¢ needs, they are encouraged to work towards the same goal and strive for the best for the company. From these two examples, it is clear that therefore motivation can lead team members to provide higher quality of work and increase the profit of the company. Secondly, conflict management is a vital aspect in a high-performance team. Conflict is defined as ââ¬Å"the perceived difference between two or more parties resulting in mutual oppositionâ⬠(Bartol et al, 2008, p. 24). Conflicts are inevitable as different members in teams have different opinions and methods to show their variations (Engleberg, Wynn, 2006, p. 147). Some of the major causes of conflicts are arise from the oppose perspective of membersââ¬â¢ desire, goals, values and beliefs (DeJanasz, Dowd, Schneifer, 2001, p. 243). Conflicts and arguments in teams can rise negative feelings among members such as ââ¬Ëlost sight of team goalââ¬â¢, these feeling s may lead to failure in achieving effective outcomes (Engleberg, Wynn, 2006, p. 48). Therefore, it is important for team members to recognize the effective strategies in dealing with conflicts in order to minimize fighting and hostility. With proper conflict management, workers are able to work productively as a team where differentiality are accepted (Boone, Kurtz, 2010, p. 2). This shows development of conflict management techniques is essential in contemporary business. In any team-based workplace, correct conflict management can enhance the success of organizations can achieve. The CEO of a Houston-based Birkman International Company, Richard Goldman introduced a policy where his team of employees need to attend compulsive communication classes every week in attempt to reduce conflicts arise from misunderstanding when they communicate (Tallia et al, 2006). Goldman considers that overcoming communication barriers can provide outstanding insights with team membersââ¬â¢ thoughts and act (Tallia et al, 2006). This suggests that team members are allowed to work more practically together when conflicts are handled and solved with efficient management skills. Another example is McDonaldââ¬â¢s, the worldââ¬â¢s largest chain of fast food restaurant located internationally. The CEO James A. Skinner believes that by offering training programs, such as McDonaldââ¬â¢s Management Development Program, managers can build a fully understanding of the companyââ¬â¢s policy and the basic skills of manager when working with other people in the McDonaldââ¬â¢s Crew (McDonaldââ¬â¢s, 2011). This enables mangers to deliver a better management performance when dealing with conflicts. As a result, staff can create a harmony team environment and maintain effective achievement. The above two examples indicates that conflict management is crucial in the success of organizations. Lastly, leadership is vital in team-oriented workplaces. Ivancevich Matteson (2002, p. 45) define team leadership as ââ¬Å"the process of influencing others to facilitate the attainment of organizationally relevant goalsâ⬠. Leadership is important as it has been addressed as essential to achievement in teams(Gill, 2006, p. 1). A team leader with distinct leadership skills are able to help members to further the achievement of success. Good leadership skills include clear vision, the ability to spot the difference between team members, bring the team together to work towards the same goal and more (Armstrong, 2009, p. 36). All of these bring positive outcomes in teams. As a result, in nowadays organizations, leadership is one of the most vital aspect to be considered. The positive outcomes that team-based organizations achieve are visible. Carol Baines took over the Baines Company after the death of her husband, the previous owner of the company. She spent her time in the company to familiarize herself with the staff and operations of the company. She then analyzed the companyââ¬â¢s situation and set a powerful set of term goals for the company. With her determined vision and remarkable leadership skill, she created a ââ¬Ëfamily-like atmosphereââ¬â¢ for team members to work in. Members saw the clear goal of the company, thus significant success was achieved by the company (Northouse, 2010, p. 30). Another good leader is Steve Jobs, the CEO of America-based electronic company, Apple, Inc.. His good leadership skills have effectively bring success to the company. His quest for perfection has motivated his team to perform their best work quality. These two example makes it clear that leadership makes a huge different in maintaining effective outcomes of organizations. Conclusion To conclude, this essay has examined three aspects of teamwork that are essential when working effectively with other people in business organizations, namely motivation, conflict management and team goals. It has also provided with real life examples that showed how organizations can incorporate numbers of skills and strategies to create the right team environment. First of all, motivation can create a positive team environment for team members to work effectively together. In addition, proper conflict management can reduce arguments and fights between team members in order to maintain efficient outcomes in organizations. Finally, leadership . Good teamwork certainly is beneficial in the operation of organizations and has become an important aspect to be considered. As s result, organizations should be aware of those aspects and utilize the ability of teams. How to cite Working as a Team, Essay examples
Sunday, December 8, 2019
In world history, those who have helped to b Essay Example For Students
In world history, those who have helped to b Essay KKKKKKuild the same culture are not necessarily of one race, and those of the same race have not all participated in one culture. In scientific language, culture is not a function of race (Benedict). The sad fact is that many races are discriminated against. Discrimination is defined as the act of perceiving and making evident the distinctions between two different groups of people. There have been many groups that have been very discriminating, but the one that sticks out like a diamond in coal is the Ku Klux Klan. The original Ku Klux Klan was formed, in April 1866, as a social organization for ex-confederates in Pulaski, Tennessee. This was during the time after the civil war, known as the Reconstruction period (Benets). The name Ku Klux Klan came from the Greek word kuklos, meaning band or circle (Benets). The Ku Klux Klan spread very rapidly through the south and soon got the nickname of the Invisible Empire (Ingalls). The Ku Klux Klan has been referred to by many different terms such as The Klan or KKK. In 1867, Nathaniel Bedford Forrest, an ex-confederate cavalry leader, and many other ex-confederates held a meeting and converted the social group to a group that opposed the Republican State government (Trelease). Nathaniel Bedford and many common group members, Klansmen, formed this group for three reasons. They wanted to keep white supremacy evident, make sure the black community didnt revolt, and make sure the black community stayed in their place (Trelease). The Klansmen were from ever y economic social class, but the leaders would usually be from the elite Lepech 2professional class (Trelease). The Klan was and still is present in both America and Canada (Ingalls). The hierarchy of the KKK was set in the April 1867 meeting (Columbia). At this meeting, Nathaniel Bedford Forrest was made the Grand Wizard, which meant he was the leader of all of the clans (Columbia). A step lower than the Grand Wizard was the Grand Dragon (Columbia). A Grand Dragon and his Realm controlled each state (Columbia). The Realms were made up of eight Hydras, who acted as a staff to the Grand Dragon (Columbia). Below the Grand Dragon were the Grand Titans with their six Furies that controlled each county (Columbia). These rankings classified the duties of each one of the members. The Ku Klux Klan used fear as a major proponent in their tactics to oppress the black community. Klansmen would disguise themselves in robes, hold silent parades, make midnight rides on horses, and speak with mysterious language and commands (Columbia). The KKK Dressed in flowing sheets, their faces covered with white masks, and with skulls at their saddle horns, posed as spirits of the confederate dead returned from the battlefields (Columbia). To accelerate the fear in the eyes of the common people The Klan would hold lynchings and whippings (Columbia). The widespread fear allowed the KKK to gain political power even though they were veering away from their main idea of restricting the south from reconstruction. By doing many of these activities the KKK very effectively managed to keep blacks away from the voting booths. Many Klansmen were elected into office because the black community could not vote. Even though the white supremacists were in office,Lepech 3they did not do as much as they would have hoped. Officials did not accomplish the idea of minimizing black power and increasing white supremacy. The Ku Klux Klan power did diminish in 1870 and 1871, when congress passed the Force Bill (Columbia). This bill stated that one could not restrict anothers right to vote, which the KKK was doing. Another attempt to try to stop the KKK was the KKK acts of 1870 and 1871. After the KKK was proven to be violent, these laws that were formally passed disbanding the KKK in 1871 (Benets). Even though these bills and acts were passed, the KKK still survived. The Clansman, written by Thomas Dixon in 1905, and the motion picture Birth of a Nation, by D.W. Grifith in 1915, stimulated the birth of the second Ku Klux Klan (Trelease). The second KKK was founded by an ex-minister, William J. Simmons, who was an excellent promoter of group activity (Columbia). There were many similarities of this new movement to the original. The new KKK movement added anti-nativism, anti-Catholicism, and anti-Semitic views to the black hatred of the first group and also attacked the issues of birth control, Darwinis m, pacifism, and the repeal of prohibition (Benets; Columbia). It also drew members from all social classes but mainly the lower middle class (Trelease). Another common tribute between the original and second KKK was that they both spread very rapidly (Columbia). .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 , .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 .postImageUrl , .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 , .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8:hover , .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8:visited , .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8:active { border:0!important; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8:active , .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8 .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u2914a8db36b604d78d58a75ec23870f8:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: That the house of parlies is dangerous EssayEven though the original Klan had similarities with the second, they also had some differences. The second KKK not only feared blacks but also feared the many immigrants entering the U.S. (Trelease). The Catholics and Jews that were rising in their economic social order made the KKK feel threatened and caused them to be very Lepech 4weary of the newcomers social position (Trelease). The second KKK burned crosses, which was unlike the original (Trelease). The burnt crosses were used to frighten as many people as possible even though the Ku Klux Klan believed they were very religious. This new Klan was mostly not violent, unlike Th e Klan before (Trelease). To make their mark on society, the KKK would parade in silent marches and wear KKK paraphernalia (Trelease). These events that were held more peacefully did more damage to the opposition than any other tactic the KKK used. The KKKs main objective was not for political control, but this idea came along because it was a peaceful and legal way to gain control. Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Oregon, and Maine all elected KKK members as state officials or congressmen (Columbia). The elected officials places were won many times because blacks were not allowed to vote (Columbia). These peaceful means of objection to the minorities worked well because this allowed them to attempt to achieve their goals legally. Over time, the KKK declined due to several reasons. Davis C. Stephen was convicted of the murder of a black man that created a declination of the KKK in the 1920s (Columbia). This event caused a decline in membership from 5 million to 30,000 by 1930 (Columbia). In 1923, there were less than half as many lynchings as in 1922. The comparison was from 61 lynchings in 1922 to 26 in 1923. Of the 26 victims in 1923, one was a colored women and two white men the other 23 victims were black males (KKK). Other reasons that the KKK declined in this time period was that the media looked down upon their events, and the interest of the Klan members themselves diminished (Benets). State laws also forbid the organization from being a secret society Lepech 5(Columbia). These state laws made it illegal to gather together secretly and to perform many of their actions. Even though this decline lowered the numbers, the leaders still made a big profit from the sale of KKK paraphernalia (Columbia). There was a another final attempt to reorganize the KKK by Dr. Samuel Green, but it failed (Columbia). The major stimulus of this new KKK movement was due to the many civil rights activities during the 1960s (Ingalls). Most of the members in the third KKK were white people from a very low social economic class (Benets). Even though this attempt failed, the KKK still continues. This modern Klan is very small and does not have many members (Trelease). Other parties that are similar to the KKK in todays life are the National States Rights Party, The Aryan Nations, and the Skinheads (Trelease). Although crimes and complications with the KKK are not common, some recent examples have occurred. One example occurred in 1991 when a black man was set on fire after being soaked in gasoline. This crime occurred in Hillsborough County, Florida (Hatred 22). Another incident involving the Ku Klux Klan happened in Jasper, Texas where many Ku Klux Klan members, wearing white robes and hoods, waved confederate flags. This situation was very controversial because Jasper, Texas was the town where a black man was dragged to his death behind a pickup truck by three white men. Klan leader Rick Anderson commented that, Jasper is part of the invisible empire. Make no mistake, this is Klan country, when he paraded in Jasper. Another Klansmen stated that the KKK was doing Jasper a favor by practicing freedom of speech (Blacks). This incident in Jasper shows how the Ku Klux Klan followed up on a murder and made more damage by parading around the town. .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 , .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 .postImageUrl , .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 , .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4:hover , .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4:visited , .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4:active { border:0!important; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4:active , .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4 .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ud4b950a4fb84d7e5412c37fc835f68a4:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Bolivar EssayLepech 6The Ku Klux Klan, above any other group, is a very discriminating group. The KKK tries to spread hatred and prejudice. Now in the 20th century the truth came out and KKK power and membership has declined very rapidly in the recent years. In this next millennium it is most important to focus on peace and unity that was set as a standard at the end of the 20th century. Lepech 7Work CitedBlacks Face Off With Klan Marchers in Jasper, TX. Jet 13 July, 1998: 14-16. Hatred Turns Out Not To Be Color-Blind. The Week Society Multimedia Almanac. Minneapolis, The Learning Company, 1998 CD-ROM. Ingalls, Robert P. Ku Klux Klan. World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia. World Book, Inc., 1996. Ku Klux Klan. Benets Readers Encyclopedia of American Literature. 1st ed. New York: Harper Collins Pub., 1991. 574. Ku Klux Klan. The Columbia Encyclopedia. 5th ed. Philadelphia:Columbia University Press, 1993. 20869. The KKK. Times Magazine Multimedia Almanac. Minneapolis, The Learning Company, 1998 CD-ROM. Trelease, Allen W. Ku Klux Klan. The Readers Companion to American History, 1991 ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1991. 625. Category: History
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Law Juvenile Justice Reform Massachusetts Juvenile Justice Reform A S
Law Juvenile Justice Reform Massachusetts Juvenile Justice Reform: A Step in the Wrong Direction Juvenile Justice THESIS STATEMENT: The Great and General Court of Massachusetts has erred in reforming the juvenile justice system by implementing policies and procedures that will harm juveniles and place society at risk. On July 23, 1995, an intruder brutally attacked and stabbed Janet Downing approximately 100 times in her Somerville home. The revolting Downing murder and ensuing arrest of Edward O'Brien Jr., a 15-year-old juvenile whom prosecutors say committed the heinous crime, sent shockwaves through the state. When Somerville District Court Judge Paul P. Hefferman ruled that the Commonwealth try Mr. O'Brien as a juvenile, those shockwaves grew in intensity, and the citizens of Massachusetts, fed up with increasing youth violence and perceptions of an ineffective juvenile justice system, demanded the enactment of tough new laws to deal with repeat and violent juvenile offenders. T he Great and General Court of Massachusetts headed these demands for reform of the juvenile justice system and enacted legislation that, among other things, abolishes the trial de novo system in the juvenile courts, requires the trial of juveniles charged with murder, manslaughter, aggravated rape, forcible rape of a child, kidnaping, assault with intent to rob or murder and armed burglary in adult court and permits prosecutors to open to the public juvenile proceedings when they seek an adult sentence. Although proponents tout these measures as a sagacious solution for the vexatious problem of juvenile delinquency, abolishing the trial de novo system, providing for automatic adult trials and opening juvenile proceedings to the public when prosecutors seek an adult sentence works to the detriment, not the benefit, of juveniles and society. Therefore, the policy makers of Massachusetts should repeal most sections of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act and develop other policies to deal w ith the rising problem of juvenile crime. I. A SINGLE TRIAL SYSTEM PREVENTS COURTS FROM PROVIDING RAPID ASSISTANCE TO JUVENILES IN NEED, DOES LITTLE TO SERVE JUDICIAL ECONOMY AND PLACES A SIMILAR BURDEN AS THE DE NOVO SYSTEM ON VICTIMS AND WITNESSES. Proponents of a single trial system for juveniles argue that the trial de novo system wastes judicial resources by giving defendants a second bite at the apple and traumatizes victims and witnesses by forcing them to testify at two proceedings. However, these proponents fail to acknowledge that the de novo system allows judges to quickly provide juveniles with the rehabilitative help they need. The proponents, unsurprisingly, also fail to acknowledge that a single trial system may place a greater burden on judicial resources and a similar burden on victims and witnesses. The de novo system benefits juveniles by encouraging bench trials, which frequently result in the swift administration of rehabilitative help. For many juveniles, delin quency is a reaction to a variety of situational stressors. Statistics indicate that the vast majority of juvenile delinquents are exposed to abuse and neglect, harsh or erratic parenting, and socioeconomic deprivation. Experts believe that if the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate juveniles and make them productive members of our society, it must address these problems as swiftly as possible. A de novo system encourages juveniles, many of whom want judicial help, to request a bench trial. Likewise, under a de novo system, defense attorneys are encouraged to recommend an initial bench trial because the court's decision does not bind clients if it is not in their interest. On the other hand, a single trial system discourages juveniles and defense attorneys from requesting a bench trial. Because jury trials are more lengthy than bench trials and may drag out for over a year, the current policy of encouraging juveniles to seek an initial jury trial denies them the rehabilitat ive help they need for a significant period of time. Therefore, the de novo system is the preferred choice when dealing with juveniles because it encourages bench trials and, concomitantly, the swift administration of rehabilitative help. As noted earlier, one of the primary arguments for doing away with the de novo system is that it wastes judicial resources. However, upon closer examination one realizes that the de novo system actually furthers judicial economy. Under a de novo system, procedural safeguards can be done away
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