FIU CRAAP Critical Thinking Essay

1. Prisons are, in many respects, a microcosm of society. In 2030, the last baby boomer will turn 65 and one in five Americans will be older than 65. This trend in our nation’s aging population is also represented within the nation’s prisons system. For instance, the number of prisoners age 50 or older experienced a 330 percent increase from 1994 to 2011, therefore, the growth rate of older prisoners—especially those 65 and older—is expected to increase significantly.

Respond to this essay question in a minimum of 500 – 700 words, excluding the references, discussing the challenges associated with the incarceration of elderly prisoners.  In addition, describe in detail a plausible recommendation for the release of nonviolent, low-risk elderly prisoners.

Directly quoted material may not be used, but instead, you must paraphrase and cite. Be sure to support your response with a minimum of three (3) current, scholarly sources in which the in-text citations and references are formatted to APA – 7th edition.

2. Read the following article before responding to this exam question,

Serving our country to serving time: The rise and value of veteran treatment courts.

There is obviously tremendous value in the establishment of veteran treatment courts, especially among those diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Is there a need to create “First Responder Courts” given that many first responders, including those in law enforcement and corrections, suffering from depression, anxiety, and PTSD leading to many dying by suicide. Develop a persuasive argument both for and against the establishment of first responder courts.