Final Project CRIJ 1301

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School

Lone Star College, CyFair *

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Course

1301

Subject

Law

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

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Uploaded by JusticeFieldLeopard30

PICKING COTTON 1 Semester Paper Lisa Opoku Introduction to Criminal Justice CRIJ 1301 May 4, 2023 Dr. Bourgeois Lone Star College-CyFair

PICKING COTTON 2 Book Summary and Reflection Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, Ronald Cotton, and Erin Torneo authored the book, Picking Cotton. The book is a memoir that narrates the unjust imprisonment of Ronald Cotton for sexual assault and Jennifer Thompson's contribution to his unlawful incarceration. In Picking Cotton, the authors point out the shortcomings of the criminal justice system (Thompson-Cannino et al., 2010). For instance, they highlight the utilization of defective eyewitness recognition and the unaccountability and irresponsibility of prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. One of the most interesting things about Picking Cotton is how straightforwardly the criminal justice system can imprison innocent individuals. Cotton was convicted solely on Thompson's eyewitness recognition, which was later proven wrong (Thompson-Cannino et al., 2010). I concur with the author's point that the criminal justice system must be amended. Stakeholders cannot turn a blind eye to the shortcomings of the criminal justice system depicted in the book. The authors could have made this documentary better by discussing the policy and practice implications of the issues they discuss. The issues and themes discussed in Picking Cotton correlate with multiple topics covered in class. Regarding crime management, the authors discuss public safety and crime prevention issues. They discuss the effect of wrongful conviction and incarceration on Cotton’s life. They also indicate that the criminal justice system's flaws can result in wrongful conviction and incarceration of public members. Moreover, regarding police, Picking Cotton raises critical questions about the role of police in the criminal justice system. Jennifer Thompson discusses her experiences with law the police after being sexually assaulted. Picking Cotton also discusses the arrest of Cotton by police officers and how the officers contributed to the wrongful conviction of Cotton. The police led Jennifer to believe that Cotton was the transgressor.

PICKING COTTON 3 Regarding courts and adjudication, Jennifer and Cotton provide personal accounts of the legal proceedings of the case. The book highlights the court proceedings and the role of judges and lawyers in Cotton’s unlawful conviction. The authors discuss the need for court reforms to ensure that suspects are judged fairly. Regarding pretrial procedures, the book discusses the lineup and identification that led to Cotton’s arrest and the legal proceedings that came after his arrest. The authors discuss eyewitness identification mistakes and the potential for wrongful convictions when police officers fail to conduct identification procedures properly. Regarding plea bargaining and the criminal trial, Picking Cotton indicates that there is potential for coerced pleas when suspects face harsh sentences. A defendant will likely receive an unfair trial and be wrongfully convicted if the evidence presented to the jury is unreliable (Cole, G. F., Smith, C. E., & DeJong, C. 2022). Picking Cotton raises critical questions regarding the justness of plea bargaining and the criminal trial process. The authors add that the criminal justice system must provide adequate legal representation to defendants, especially those unable to hire attorneys. This will help ensure that the constitutional right of all defendants is safeguarded throughout the plea bargaining and trial processes. Generally, Picking Cotton presents us with real-life scenarios that reveal the intricacies and faults of the criminal justice system. This helps us better understand the material covered in class. Reading Picking Cotton has made me realize the significance of accountability and responsibility in the criminal justice system. Cotton's unlawful imprisonment depicts the severe impacts of a flawed system. Moreover, the book has significantly transformed my opinion regarding the criminal justice system and the need for reform. All the relevant stakeholders must work collaboratively to address the issues raised by the authors to create a more impartial system.

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