Exploring The Criminal Justice System's Multi-Tiered Structure

The wedding cake model of criminal justice is a theory developed by Samuel Walker to explain how different types of cases move through the criminal justice system. The model consists of four layers, with the smallest, most attention-grabbing crimes at the top, and the largest volume of less-severe offences at the base. The bottom layer typically includes misdemeanours and traffic violations, as well as first-time offenders. The second layer from the bottom includes low-level felonies that hurt another person but don't result in death. The third layer from the bottom includes serious felonies, which are more violent in nature and may include charges such as aggravated battery or rape. The top layer represents a small number of celebrated cases that garner a lot of media attention, often involving celebrities or high-ranking officials.

Celebrated Cases

The wedding cake model theory of criminal justice, developed by Samuel Walker, divides the criminal justice system into four layers, with the smallest, most attention-grabbing crimes at the top, and the largest volume of less-severe offences at the base. The top layer of the model is dedicated to "celebrated cases", which are high-profile cases that attract a lot of media attention. Here are some examples of celebrated cases:

O.J. Simpson

The O.J. Simpson trial is a classic example of a celebrated case. Simpson was a celebrity, a former football star, and the case involved a shocking double murder. The trial was highly publicized and became a media circus, with cameras in the courtroom and extensive news coverage.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby, an American stand-up comedian and actor, was accused of multiple sexual assault allegations. Due to his popularity and the serious nature of the crimes, his case received a lot of media attention. Many women came forward with accusations of sexual battery, child sexual abuse, and sexual misconduct. Cosby was eventually sentenced to prison, reflecting the impact of the media coverage on the case's outcome.

Ted Bundy

Ted Bundy is one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. His crimes and trials attracted a lot of media and public attention, making his case a celebrated one. Bundy's case also sparked debates about the death penalty, as he was sentenced to death and executed in 1989.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was accused of child molestation in 2003. The case garnered worldwide media attention due to Jackson's celebrity status and the shocking nature of the allegations. Jackson was eventually acquitted of all charges, but the case continues to be a topic of public interest and controversy.

Rodney King

The Rodney King case was a highly publicized police brutality incident that took place in 1991. King, a black man, was brutally beaten by Los Angeles police officers, and the incident was caught on video. The case sparked outrage and protests across the nation, bringing attention to issues of racial injustice and police misconduct. This case also had a significant impact on police reform and public perception of law enforcement.

Serious Felonies

The second layer of the wedding cake model of criminal justice, Serious Felonies, includes more violent crimes such as rape and aggravated assault or battery. These crimes are considered more heinous and are often committed by repeat offenders. The people who commit these crimes are often seen as "career criminals".

In these cases, there is a great deal of public concern and the potential for serious consequences for the person charged if they are convicted. There is usually no bail option, and a lesser chance of a plea agreement before the trial. Some serious felonies may result in significant jail time, and occasionally the death penalty.

Examples of serious felonies include:

• Vehicular manslaughter
• Significant white-collar crimes
• Large-scale drug offences
• Aggravated battery
• Rape

Lesser Felonies

The third layer of the wedding cake model theory of criminal justice is lesser felonies. These are less severe and often remain less visible to the general public. Lesser felonies are usually non-violent and include financial or drug-related crimes. A good portion of these cases ends in plea agreements.

Examples of lesser felonies include:

• DUI (first-time offences)
• Drug-related charges
• Financial crimes

Criminals in this layer may go to court, but they rarely go to jail. They typically end up on probation or are offered a plea bargain. This layer is almost made up entirely of first-time offenders since repeat offenders tend to commit more serious crimes.

Misdemeanours

The cases in this layer are typically resolved with plea agreements and are processed rapidly and without media attention. Criminals on this layer may go to court, but they rarely go to jail and are often offered a plea bargain. They usually end up on probation or are slapped with a monetary fine. At this level, there are systems in place to process offenders as quickly as possible, such as online payment options for traffic or parking tickets.

The wedding cake model, developed by Samuel Walker, is a useful conceptual framework for understanding the criminal justice system and predicting sentencing possibilities for various offences. It highlights the differences in media attention, public perception, and outcomes between misdemeanours and more serious crimes.

How Cases Move Through the System

The Wedding Cake Model Theory, developed by Samuel Walker, provides an overview of how different types of cases move through the criminal justice system. The model is divided into four layers, with the bottom layer representing the most significant number of cases, and the top layer representing a small number of cases that receive the most attention.

Bottom Layer: Misdemeanors

The bottom layer of the wedding cake model of criminal justice consists of misdemeanour charges. These are the most common offences and are typically processed rapidly and without media attention. Examples of misdemeanour charges include petty theft, public intoxication, prostitution, graffiti, disturbing the peace, and minor acts of vandalism. These cases are often resolved with plea agreements and may result in a monetary fine or probation instead of jail time.

Third Layer: Lesser Felonies

The third layer of the model corresponds to less serious felonies, which are usually non-violent offences involving financial or drug-related crimes. Many of these cases are resolved with plea agreements, although this can vary depending on the specifics of the case. Examples of lesser felonies include DUI (first-time offences) and check fraud.

Second Layer: Serious Felonies

The second layer of the wedding cake model includes serious felonies, which tend to be more violent in nature. Examples include aggravated battery, rape, large-scale drug offences, and significant white-collar crimes. In these cases, there is often significant public concern and the potential for serious consequences if the person charged is convicted. Bail may not be an option, and there is a reduced likelihood of a plea agreement before trial.

Top Layer: Celebrated Cases

The top layer of the model represents high-profile, highly publicised "celebrated cases". These cases involve celebrities or high-ranking officials, or crimes that are particularly unusual or shocking. Celebrated cases attract a great deal of media attention and can spark public debate over societal issues. Examples include the O.J. Simpson trial, Bill Cosby's sexual assault allegations, and police brutality cases such as the Rodney King case.

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