SOUTH AFRICA’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

This assignment will be very similar to the Scenario Paper Assignments. However, it is our desire that not only do you become a great researcher, you become an “expert of the presentation.” When you earn your PhD you may find yourself in a teaching role. In fact, maybe you will be teaching Comparative Criminal Justice Systems! This series of PowerPoint presentations will be a great start in your class preparation.
In this assignment you will find yourself in various countries as a criminal! In the scenario and analysis you create you will truly be an international criminal. The “crime” committed can be of your choosing is long as it is illegal in the country we are studying. You will find that this very deep dive into the criminal justice systems of each country we study will help you become a world criminal justice system expert.
The following is your prompt for the setting of your PowerPoint Presentation:
1) You are a US Citizen that is travelling to the country we are studying
2) You arrive at the country
3) You commit a crime
a. Make the crime interesting enough to write about
b. Make the crime of a nature that you will work through the country’s criminal justice system
c. Do not get caught up in the detail of the crime at the expense of the analysis – this will lead to failure of the assignment!
4) You are caught by the country’s law enforcement officers
5) You do not have diplomatic immunity and the country is balking at any means of negotiation with the US for your release from the crime and subsequent punishment

The following is an outline of what you should cover in your presentation:
1) Begin your presentation with a brief analysis of the following elements:
a. Country analysis
i. Introduction to the country
ii. People and society of the country
iii. Economy
iv. Transnational issues (if applicable) that may impact law enforcement
v. Relations with the United States
b. What is the basic government structure and its relationship to the criminal justice system
c. What is the “legal family” or basis of law in the country
d. What are the major components of the criminal justice system in the country
1) Please explain the following elements:
a. What crime did you commit? How were you caught? In other words, briefly set up the scenario.
b. Explain the country specific law
c. Explain from first contact through arrest and questioning your experience with the country’s law enforcement officials
d. Explain the detention process you will experience as a foreign national for the crime you committed
e. Explain the judicial process you’ll experience for the crime you committed
f. Explain the detention, corrections, and/or incarceration process you’ll experience for the crime you committed
1) Provide an analysis on:
a. The effectiveness of the criminal justice system in the country
b. The human rights perspective of how you were treated through the lens of the country where you were caught
c. A Holy Bible comparison/analysis of the criminal justice system of the country where you were caught

Full Answer Section

     
  • Economy: India is a rapidly growing economy with a strong emphasis on information technology and services.
  • Transnational Issues: India faces various transnational issues, including terrorism, human trafficking, and cybercrime.
  • Relations with the United States: India and the United States have a strong strategic partnership, characterized by cooperation in various areas, including defense, trade, and technology.

Government Structure and Criminal Justice System:

  • Government Structure: India is a federal republic with a parliamentary system. The government consists of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
  • Legal Family: India's legal system is based on English common law.
  • Major Components of the Criminal Justice System:
    • Police: The Indian police force is responsible for law enforcement and investigation of crimes.
    • Prosecution: The prosecution is handled by the Public Prosecutor or government lawyers.
    • Courts: India has a hierarchical court system, including the Supreme Court, High Courts, and district courts.
    • Corrections: The prison system in India is managed by the state governments.

Scenario:

Crime: Drug Smuggling

Scenario: As a U.S. citizen traveling to India, I attempt to smuggle a small quantity of a controlled substance into the country. I am caught at the airport during a routine customs check.

Experience with the Indian Criminal Justice System:

  • Arrest and Questioning: I am arrested and taken to a police station for questioning. The police officers may be aggressive and use coercive tactics to obtain a confession.
  • Detention: I am detained in a police lockup or a jail. The conditions may be overcrowded and unsanitary.
  • Legal Representation: I have the right to legal representation, but it may be difficult to access a competent lawyer, especially as a foreigner.
  • Legal Process: The legal process in India can be slow and complex. There may be delays in the investigation and court proceedings.
  • Bail: Obtaining bail may be challenging, and the bail amount could be substantial

Sample Answer

     

Country Selection:

India

Country Analysis:

  • Introduction: India is a vast and diverse country with a rich history and culture. It is the world's largest democracy and a major global player.
  • People and Society: India has a diverse population with a mix of religions, languages, and ethnicities. The caste system, while officially abolished, continues to influence society.