The criminal justice system must maintain a balance between public order and individual rights. Choose one of the topics below. Analyze your topic from both a public order and an individual rights’ perspective. What are the benefits and the costs associated with each side of the issue? You'll need to create a video or image with this information.
• DNA use by the criminal justice system (taking DNA samples upon arrests or using private DNA companies to search for matches)
• Use of facial recognition technology in public settings amid privacy concerns
• Restrictions placed on felons upon release from prison (not able to vote, cannot own firearm, residency restrictions)
• Open carry laws
• “Leaking” of classified information to inform the public (think Edward Snowden or the 2023 Discord leaks)
• Legalizing prostitution
• Harm reduction strategies for those who use drugs (needle exchange, safe injection sites, etc.)
• Public access to information such as property appraiser websites and public information requests
Here’s an sample topic to get you thinking (yours should be much more detailed than this and include a visual element):
Drug legalization
Public safety - drugs should remain illegal because they cause health problems, violence, and
Full Answer Section
However, the use of facial recognition technology also raises concerns about individual rights, such as privacy and freedom of movement. Some people worry that facial recognition technology could be used to track their movements without their knowledge or consent. Others worry that facial recognition technology could be used to discriminate against certain groups of people, such as minorities or political dissidents.
Benefits of facial recognition technology for public order
The benefits of facial recognition technology for public order include:
- Preventing crime: Facial recognition technology can be used to identify people who are wanted by the police or who have been banned from certain places. This can help to prevent crime and keep people safe.
- Investigating crimes: Facial recognition technology can be used to track people's movements, which can be helpful in investigating crimes or finding missing persons.
- Enhancing security: Facial recognition technology can be used to enhance security at airports, schools, and other public places. This can help to prevent terrorist attacks and other security threats.
Costs of facial recognition technology for individual rights
The costs of facial recognition technology for individual rights include:
- Privacy concerns: Some people worry that facial recognition technology could be used to track their movements without their knowledge or consent. This could lead to a loss of privacy and could be used to discriminate against certain groups of people.
- Freedom of movement: Facial recognition technology could be used to restrict people's freedom of movement. For example, people could be banned from certain places or could be stopped and questioned by the police based on their facial recognition data.
- Bias: Facial recognition technology is not perfect and can be biased against certain groups of people, such as minorities or women. This could lead to discrimination and unfair treatment.
Balancing public order and individual rights
The use of facial recognition technology in public settings is a complex issue that raises both benefits and costs. It is important to balance the need for public order and safety with the need to protect individual rights. Some possible ways to balance these interests include:
- Limiting the use of facial recognition technology to certain situations: For example, facial recognition technology could be used only in high-crime areas or only at airports and other sensitive locations.
- Requiring a warrant for the use of facial recognition technology: This would ensure that the technology is only used when there is a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
- Making facial recognition data more transparent: This would allow people to see how their data is being used and to challenge any inaccurate or discriminatory results.
The debate over the use of facial recognition technology in public settings is likely to continue for many years to come. It is important to carefully consider all of the potential benefits and costs before deciding how to use this technology.
Video or image
I can create a video or image that illustrates the benefits and costs of facial recognition technology for public order and individual rights. The video or image could show how facial recognition technology can be used to prevent crime, investigate crimes, and enhance security. It could also show the potential privacy concerns and freedom of movement restrictions associated with facial recognition technology.
Sample Answer
Public order perspective
The use of facial recognition technology in public settings can be seen as a way to improve public order and safety. By identifying people who are wanted by the police or who have been banned from certain places, facial recognition technology can help to prevent crime and keep people safe. Additionally, facial recognition technology can be used to track people's movements, which can be helpful in investigating crimes or finding missing persons.