Great lecturer an course! So much knowledge put into a limited number of hours. Extremely satisfied. Highly recommended!

It was interesting and I learnt my things .The professor has been very clear on everything he explains.

The course is well designed, and the purpose of the assessment are very clear.

really good course, informative and interesting- well structured.

This course is helpful to learn the criminal concepts.

Super interesting, easy, well developed.. i loved it

This course is one of my favourite

Its a good choice!

Dear Sirs, I have completed Peers week 1 and Peers week 2 well in advance, but I need a Peers review for week 3, but nothing (lacking) how to do it, tq

I finished the class submitted my work but there are no other students to review my work or work for me to review. So even though I paid for the certificate I can not complete the reviews. Which are required to get the certificate. I enjoyed the class and learned a lot. I just want the certificate I paid for.

1. Criminal Justice Reform and Sentencing Reform Key Issues: Mandatory minimum sentences, three-strikes laws, and overly harsh penalties for non-violent crimes, especially drug-related offenses. Current Debate: Advocates for reform argue that harsh sentencing disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, particularly Black and Latino populations, contributing to mass incarceration. There's also growing support for ending life sentences for juveniles and reconsidering sentencing for non-violent crimes. Recent Developments: Several states have enacted sentencing reforms or decriminalized certain offenses (like marijuana), but there’s still a push at the federal level for comprehensive reform. President Biden has expressed support for sentencing reform, but changes have been slow at the federal level. 2. Police Reform and Accountability Key Issues: Police use of force, racial profiling, body cameras, and accountability for officers involved in misconduct. Current Debate: The Black Lives Matter movement and events like the killing of George Floyd have prompted widespread calls for reforms, such as banning chokeholds, implementing national standards for police conduct, and redefining the role of police in communities. Advocates also support reducing the militarization of police forces and reallocating funds to community services. Recent Developments: Some cities and states have implemented reforms like banning no-knock warrants and introducing civilian oversight boards, but federal action has been more limited. There's an ongoing debate about the scope and effectiveness of these changes. 3. Mass Incarceration and Prison Abolition Key Issues: Overcrowding, inhumane conditions, and the racial disparities in the prison system. Current Debate: The U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, and many argue that the prison system is not rehabilitative but punitive, often reinforcing cycles of poverty and crime. Some advocates call for abolition of prisons altogether, proposing alternatives such as restorative justice, community-based interventions, and rehabilitation-focused facilities. Recent Developments: There is growing momentum behind decriminalization efforts (such as the push to end cash bail and to divert individuals with mental health issues into treatment rather than prison). There's also a renewed focus on prison reform and reducing sentences for nonviolent offenders, but prison abolition remains controversial. 4. Use of Technology in Policing Key Issues: Surveillance technologies (e.g., facial recognition), predictive policing, and data collection. Current Debate: Technology is rapidly changing the way law enforcement operates. Tools like predictive policing, which uses data to forecast where crimes might occur, are being criticized for reinforcing racial biases. Similarly, facial recognition technology is increasingly being used by police, but it raises concerns about privacy, accuracy, and potential abuse. Recent Developments: Some cities have banned the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement, while others are debating the ethical implications of using AI in policing. The balance between public safety and privacy rights continues to be a central issue. 5. Rehabilitation vs. Punishment Key Issues: The philosophical debate over whether the criminal justice system should focus on rehabilitation or punishment. Current Debate: Proponents of rehabilitation argue that the system should focus on reducing recidivism by addressing the root causes of crime (e.g., mental health issues, substance abuse, poverty). Others believe that a system focused on rehabilitation would weaken deterrence and public trust in the justice system. Recent Developments: There’s been a gradual shift toward more rehabilitative approaches in certain areas, especially in the context of juvenile justice and drug offenses. Programs focused on education, vocational training, and therapy are gaining traction in prisons, although critics still question their effectiveness. 6. Death Penalty Key Issues: The morality, effectiveness, and racial disparities associated with the death penalty. Current Debate: Critics argue that the death penalty is a form of cruel and unusual punishment that disproportionately affects people of color and the poor. Others contend that it serves as an important deterrent and a form of justice for the most heinous crimes. Recent Developments: The use of the death penalty has declined in the U.S., with several states abolishing it or imposing moratoriums on executions. However, some states like Texas continue to carry out executions, and debates around its use persist, particularly in high-profile cases. 7. Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System Key Issues: Mental health care for inmates, diversion programs, and the criminalization of mental illness. Current Debate: Many individuals with mental health disorders end up in jail or prison instead of receiving the treatment they need. Advocates argue that there needs to be a focus on mental health care in the criminal justice system, and some have proposed alternatives like crisis intervention teams or mental health courts. Recent Developments: There’s increasing recognition of the need to divert individuals with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system and into treatment programs. Some states are expanding mental health courts and developing specialized facilities for mentally ill offenders, but the lack of sufficient resources remains a significant barrier. 8. Victim's Rights vs. Offender’s Rights Key Issues: Balancing the rights of victims with the rights of the accused or convicted. Current Debate: There is a growing emphasis on ensuring victims have a voice in the criminal justice process, particularly in cases involving serious crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence. At the same time, ensuring that offenders have fair trials and due process remains a core principle of the justice system. Recent Developments: Victim impact statements are now a standard part of sentencing, and some states have implemented "victim’s bills of rights." However, the question of how much weight to give victims’ voices in the justice process remains a topic of debate. 9. Restorative Justice Key Issues: Reintegrating offenders back into society, focusing on repairing harm done to victims, and community involvement in justice processes. Current Debate: Restorative justice emphasizes reconciliation, healing, and repairing harm rather than focusing on punishment. Supporters argue it can reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for both victims and offenders, while critics argue it might not be appropriate for all types of crime. Recent Developments: Restorative justice programs are being implemented in schools, juvenile justice systems, and certain adult courts as alternatives to traditional punitive approaches. However, its application remains limited, and there is ongoing debate about how to scale these programs. Conclusion: The criminal justice system is facing a period of rapid transformation, driven by social movements, evolving public attitudes, and new research on criminal behavior. The ongoing debates highlight a shift away from purely punitive models toward systems that prioritize rehabilitation, fairness, and human rights. However, significant challenges remain, particularly around balancing security with civil liberties, the use of technology, and addressing systemic inequities in the system. The conversation about criminal justice reform is likely to continue evolving as society grapples with these complex issues, and it’s essential to keep a critical eye on how policies affect both individuals and communities. Project Name: Ambassador Muharrem Shabani’s Role in Kosovo’s International Diplomacy Location: United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland Short Description: Ambassador Muharrem Shabani served as the President of Kosovo's Permanent Mission to the United Nations (SKUN), playing a pivotal role in advocating for Kosovo’s international recognition and sovereignty. Beyond his diplomatic contributions, he also worked as a professor in international relations, shaping future leaders while promoting peace and reconciliation in the Balkans. Shabani’s leadership left a lasting legacy in Kosovo's diplomatic efforts, particularly in advancing its recognition in the global arena.

The topics covered in this course were diverse and very informative. Although I have been involved in criminal law for a few years now, there was insight and information I found helpful. It compared the American model to the European Model, which is a great help when exploring options difficult to ascertain under the American criminal justice system.

An extremely well put together/architected course. Professor Christopher Slobogin taught all the lectures masterfully and knew how to harmonize one topic with another, so that the entire course flows naturally. Excellent teaching! The questions/quizzes also make the course interesting. All in all, a course that is VERY worth it.

This class provides a great introduction to and discussion of a myriad of important contemporary legal topics.  I audited the course and found that it provided a solid examination of significant areas of the law and was fairly up to date on current issues in the field.

Fascinating course. Police work can be so confusing. I don't know how they do it! Very informative and now I know what to do next time I am stopped by the police!

Temas muy interesantes y útiles para la justicia criminal americana actual. Muy buen curso.

It was such a interesting course. learned alot of new things.

it was so knowled full and it is so fantastically designed.

Great explaination .. Meticulous understanding

Great course. I liked the professor Slobogin.

This course was extremely insightful and fun!

thank you very much ...

Very interesting!

Very informative

ottimo corso