Criminal Justce - Define with examples, the practice of reciprocity as found in corrections institutions. Include a discussion of the ethical dimensions and issues involved.

Reciprocity as Found in Corrections

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Abstract

Within the mind of the criminal , there exists something that tends to make the individual view right and wrong as loose guidelines at best and at worst , there is no difference between the two . Additionally , for many offenders , criminal activity is a career and way of life and being processed through the correctional institutions of the nation is simply part of their job . For those who oversee these correctional facilities , an important part of their job

' is to try to be respectful to inmates within reason and to be respected by those inmates to a certain extent , for without this give and take , violence and chaos would certainly overwhelm an already chaotic system . This will define , illustrate , and discuss the quid pro quo in corrections that has come to be termed reciprocity

Definition and Examples of Reciprocity in Corrections

Reciprocity , within the scope of corrections , can accurately be defined as the process by which both the inmates and officials of a correctional institution give and receive a certain level of understanding and respect (Diiulio , 1991 . Naturally , this form of reciprocity varies greatly from what might exist in free society , business , or other professions . For the field of corrections , and correctional facilities reciprocity , for example , on its most basic level comes down to getting through the day intact , which is to say uninjured and of course alive Consider for a moment the dynamic between corrections personnel and inmate the personnel are performing a duty to ensure that and safety are maintained in the facility and that inmates neither inflict nor receive trauma . Therefore , the personnel not only keep a watchful eye on inmates , but also have the duty of not using excessive force against inmates . Conversely , the inmate should at least in theory return the favor to the personnel by refraining from harming them in any way- hence , reciprocity at the most basic level . Elevating reciprocity to the niceties of human interaction , this concept in the correctional institution can include the ability of inmate and guard to speak to one another , if not socially or superfluously , at least civilly . If reciprocity were to take root on both the higher and lower levels , it is feasible that the corrections process could be less tense and violent than it is today . While this may be only an unattainable theory , it is interesting to consider theless

While speculating on the potential of correctional reciprocity , it is also interesting to consider the ethical dimensions of reciprocity in corrections to gain a better understanding of the concept

Ethical Dimensions of Reciprocity in Corrections

Admittedly , it is overly optimistic to expect that reciprocity in corrections will ever reach desired levels , simply because of the individuals involved in the process and of course why they are in that situation in the first place . However , sociologically , reciprocity deserves an ethical analysis as well as practical . Perhaps reciprocity at a high level...