Understanding the 'Reasonable Man/Police Officer' Test and Deterrence

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Why the “Reasonable Man/Police Officer” Test and Deterrence? Within the United State Supreme Court many tools are utilized to determine the final outcomes of cases. One of these tools is known as the “reasonable man/police officer” test. When it comes to keeping individuals out of the criminal justice system, the theory of deterrence is practiced. In this paper I will be discussing the importance of the “reasonable man/police officer” test and why it is used in the U.S. Supreme Court. I will also be discussing the importance of deterrence in our criminal justice system. Each of these two topics include different aspects that have to be recognized first in order to understand the overall concept. I will explain each topic, give an answer on why I agree and disagree and also provide supportive evidence for each of my points of view. The “Reasonable Man/Police Officer” Test The “reasonable man/police officer” test is an important tool used in the U.S Supreme Court system. …show more content…

(2016). Lesson 3: Ethical Perspectives. In Professionalism & Ethics in CJ: Spring 2016. Retrieved from https://blackboard.angelo.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_41777_1&content_id=_1130294_1 Cheeseman, K., San Miguel, C., Frantzen, D., & Nored, L. (2011). Everyday Ethics for the Criminal Justice Professional. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. Deady, C. W. (2014, March). Incarceration and Recidivism: Lessons From Abroad. Retrieved from http://www.salve.edu/sites/default/files/filesfield/documents/Incarceration_and_Recidivism.pdf De Luca, H., & Miller, T. J. (1991). Punishment vs. rehabilitation: A proposal for revising sentencing practices. Federal Probation, 55(3), 37. Gilna, D. (2014, May 19). Report: Increase in Federal Prison Population, Overcrowding. Prison Legal News. Retrieved February 20, 2016, from

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