After completing Chapter 1, you should have a grasp on the concept of different types of
law and levels of government. Read this hypothetical case and follow the directions
below.
A group of attorneys, judges and law professionals have collaborated to write a uniform
criminal code. The code would create uniformity in criminal law across the United
States, defining what constitutes a misdemeanor, what constitutes a felony, how crimes
are defined, and what the punishment for particular crimes will be. The code also
proposes that the death penalty be abolished, and that the maximum punishment for
murder be life imprisonment. Would you favor the adoption and implementation of such
a code?
Click “Create Thread” and answer the following 2 questions (you will not be able to see
any other responses until after your initial post):
1. What advantages would result from a uniform criminal code?
2. What disadvantages would result from a uniform criminal code?
If we had a uniform criminal code then it would be easier to enforce since all the laws
would be the same across the states. There will not be much discrepancy when convicting
a criminal. I am unable to think of many advantages a uniform criminal code would have
because I am actually opposed to it. The constitution allows states to enact state laws and
it should be that way because every state is made up of different people with different
beliefs. Each state has different problems and issues to deal with. Some states need
stricter laws on certain issues while others do not.
For example with gun control laws, in rural areas there may not be as much gun violence
as opposed to in urban areas. People in rural areas may have more of a necessity for guns
since they live farther apart, the police stations may be farther away and they have wild
animals. If we completely ban guns throughout the country then people in rural areas may
suffer as a result. Religion also is a big factor in creating and enacting laws. In Utah there