Case Analysis: Commonwealth of VA v. Steffon R. Christian (Child Sex Assault)

Abstract

Commonwealth of VA v. Steffon R. Christian is the chosen case for this assignment that has been studied in the light of different models maintaining its application and potentials for criminal justice modifications. Three prominent criminal justice models have been studied in this paper: Utilitarian, Retributive and Restorative or Rehabilitative models. Elaborating upon the these models, we have come to a conclusion that the best applicable model that truly deals with cases such as these, while keeping the communal interest in mind. This would create synergies for the victim, his family and the wider community; while duly holding the offender as responsible. Based on our study of a large literature, discussing the drawbacks of each model, we have come to a conclusion that restorative justice options are an appropriate way to empower the victims of sexual abuse.

Abstract2

3

Introduction4

Literature Review4

Utilitarian Model of Justice5

Retributive Model of Justice6

Restorative or Rehabilitative Model of Justice7

Methods8

Findings and Discussion10

Conclusion13

References14

Case Analysis: Commonwealth of VA v. Steffon R. Christian (Child Sex Assault)

Introduction

This assignment relates to discussing a particular case i.e. Commonwealth of VA v. Steffon R. Christian in the light of different models of justice to see how models of criminal justice deal with such cases based purely on a sexual assault. Criminal justice models provide important insights on the judicial and governmental provisions about dealing with the cases of different nature. Commonwealth of VA v. Steffon R. Christian relates to a sexual assault of a boy at the hands of his own teacher. The victim reported the case very long after, contending that the offender must be dealt with, strictly. However, based on the victim's permission and governmental decisions, the court issued a 63-count indictment against Christian by a Prince William County Grand Jury.

Literature Review

For many years, there has been an amalgam of criminal justice systems and rehabilitation centers as joined and complementary partners in the social control function of the society. Combining formal law punishments and informal practices, the ideas was to place criminal justice system at a pedestal where antisocial behaviors are corrected using a mixture of techniques (Walker & Louw, 2007). Herein, there were many institutions and schools of thought which favored that foundation of rehabilitation and restorative practices for those who are “too sick to deserve punishment”. With the passage of time, several doctrines and models were established looking into the issue of the probably outcomes resulting from the adoption of one approach out of these (either punish or treat), defining the principle that insanity and incompetency must also not go unattended by criminal courts. In the initial years of 1970s, a shift occurred whereby a “just deserts” approach was undertaken; criminal behavior causes were given less importance while the focus remained on incapacitating the culprits and punishing them at end (Rave, 2004). The shift was manifested with the formulation of several other theories and models of justice, which are briefly described ...